Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Why He Chose Celtics, First Impressions in Boston: 'Perfect Scenario'

Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and nearly two blocks in his first 15 games with the Boston Celtics.

Kristaps Porzingis has quickly proven a rising tide that lifts all boats for the Boston Celtics.

He's elevated their crunch-time offense, is helping Jaylen Brown grow as a facilitator, protects the rim, punishes switches, and gives them more options offensively.

And not that he deserves all the credit for the following, but among all five-player lineups that have logged at least ten games together, Boston's starting five of Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Porzingis has far and away the highest plus-minus rating at plus-9.7, per NBA.com.

And at 15-5, the Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA. After a four-game absence due to a left calf strain, it's trending toward Porzingis returning to the lineup for Friday's matchup against the New York Knicks.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) dunks past New Yorks Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23).

The former All-Star joined J.J. Redick, whom he briefly teamed with on the Dallas Mavericks, on the latter's show, The Old Man & the Three, where the two discussed a wide range of topics, including how the seven-foot-three center's experience with the Celtics has been so far.

"It's been great, honestly," expressed Porzingis. "The fans welcomed me with open arms here, (from) day one. Joe (Mazzulla) has been great. Playing at TD Garden is special. What else can I ask for? Playing with these kind of guys, these caliber players, it's a perfect scenario."

He also shared what drew him to the chance to play in Boston.

"It's huge. I think, of course, it's a big challenge just to be in this kind of market and possibly going far in the playoffs with this kind of team. Big challenge. Big responsibility. But it's a risk that I wanted. I want to take (it), and I want to possibly do something big. And everybody loves a winner, so, I want to win."

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) goes in for a dunk over Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33).

The former fourth overall pick also conveyed that he didn't realize how good Derrick White was until teaming up with him and offered the following anecdote from a recent meeting held by Mazzulla.

"We had like a meeting the other day, and Joe has always these team development things that we do, and we had to say one thing you love about your teammates, one thing that drives you crazy, and a couple (of) other things.

"And I said to D. White, I said, what I love about you (is) how you're always making the right play for us, and because of that, I hold you, and I think all of us hold you to such a high standard that it drives me crazy when you don't. He's so good. He's always making the right play, making the right read that I always expect that from him."

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) slaps hands with center Kristaps Porzingis (8).

As for superstar teammate Jayson Tatum, the Latvian native praised the two-time All-NBA First Team selection for his approach to the game and how he carries himself, telling Redick that the four-time All-Star has the right character to lead a team to a title.

"One thing I love about him (is) how stoic he always is," said Porzingis. "He's never too high (or) too low. His emotions are under control. He's also the type of guy that's always trying to make the right play. And a lot of times, it's him attacking, him shooting, of course, for us.

"He has the right character for the game (and) to lead a team to win it all. He has 'it.' And so far, from what I've seen, he's great (in the) locker room, great with everybody in the organization, and he has the right character."

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum Feels 'Embraced' by Boston Community

Kristaps Porzingis Believes He Will Return to Celtics' Lineup Friday

Tyrese Haliburton, Another Sloppy 3rd Qtr., Propel Pacers Past Celtics in In-Season Tournament

Joe Mazzulla Praises Payton Pritchard's Fourth-Quarter Performance in C's Win vs. 76ers

Celtics Share Their Perspective of NBA's Flawed but Successful In-Season Tournament

An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'

Celtics' Loss to Magic Highlights Their Most Concerning Traits

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis Discuss Their Quickly Cultivated Chemistry: 'An Automatic Connection'

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present