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Brad Stevens Discusses Kristaps Porzingis' Role with Celtics, Provides Rehab Update
While trading Marcus Smart was an emotionally anguishing decision, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis gives the Celtics a center who, like Al Horford, spaces the floor, is an effective facilitator, capable of acting as an offensive hub, and is also someone who puts pressure on defenses to stay connected to him when he's screening.
Even if they do, while they can pressure Porzingis to make him uncomfortable, being seven-foot-three is an advantage whether he's popping beyond the arc or rolling to the rim.
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The former All-Star's presence should go a long way toward curing what's plagued Boston most in the playoffs recently.
The Celtics' primary pick-up this summer, from a personnel perspective at least, is also an effective defender in drop coverage, is better on the perimeter than given credit for or one might expect for a player his size and brings more positional balance to Boston's roster.
In an appearance on Jones & Mego to support WEEI's Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, Celtics' president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, discussed the team's trade for Porzingis.
It's interesting to hear Stevens note the former fourth overall pick's ability to play the five and the four, allowing them to mix and match Porzingis, Horford, and Robert Williams and stay bigger for longer, something Boston's best groups didn't afford it last season.
Danny Ainge's successor also praised Porzingis, who's in his prime but is prepared to sacrifice and is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to win an NBA title, stating, "Kristaps seems to be in a really good place. He is focused on what matters. He is coming here to do his part and help us win."
Stevens also provided an update on Porzingis' right foot plantar fasciitis, an injury the former said he was unaware of when trading for the latter.
It's an ailment preventing the seven-foot-three center from suiting up for the Latvian Men's National Basketball Team, who's without their best player as they make their first appearance in the FIBA World Cup.
The healing process requires him to rehab for four to six weeks. Last week, Porzingis spoke about his recovery with Sporta Studija, conveying the following (translated through Google).
"The foot hurts after exercise. I feel almost nothing when walking. It's a really funny injury," he expressed. "I have an idea what the origin of the injury might be, but it's something that builds up over the course of a career and pops out at one point. It got worse during the training process - when it started to hurt, then I couldn't get rid of the inflammation either."
Stevens also provided an update on the Latvian native's rehab, voicing, "He put the opportunity here and took away any chance of having lingering effects by addressing it now, and it shouldn't be a big deal."
The Celtics' president of basketball operations also confirmed the organization expects Porzingis to be ready for day 1 of training camp.
Further Reading
Kristaps Porzingis Speaks on Recovery from Foot Injury: 'I Couldn't Get Rid of the Inflammation'
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Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule
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Examining How Celtics' Starting Lineup Might Shapeshift This Season
Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement
