Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Kristaps Porzingis 'Happy' Not to Be in All-Star Game
After registering a 110-106 win over the Miami Heat on Super Bowl Sunday, the Boston Celtics have two games left before the All-Star break.
It seemed like the team atop the NBA standings, now 41-12, would have three representatives playing in the league's marquee exhibition event on Feb. 18 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
There were compelling cases for Kristaps Porzingis or Derrick White, but with the two spots requiring injury-related fill-ins belonging to frontcourt players Joel Embiid and Julius Randle, the seven-foot-three center appeared to have the inside track.
However, neither White nor Porzingis will join Jayson Tatum, a five-time selection, who will start in the All-Star Game for the fourth straight year, or Jaylen Brown, who received his third invite.
Instead, NBA commissioner Adam Silver picked Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, whose style of play is tailor-made for this occasion, and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes.
Those are fine choices and allow more teams to have representation in this year's All-Star Game, which is a wise move from business and marketing standpoints.
As much as Porzingis would've liked to get selected, after the Celtics' 133-129 over the Washington Wizards on Friday, he raised and genuinely sounded more appreciative of the reasons why a break is likely more beneficial to him.
"Of course, there's some prestige in that, and maybe five years ago, that was something that was always on my mind, but it doesn't change anything, to be honest," voiced the Latvian native. "There's a big part of me that's happy. I can go to Miami or somewhere where there's sun, get some tan, lift some weights, prepare my body for the postseason."
Further Reading
Jaylen Brown on Altercation with Duncan Robinson: 'I Bet You He Won't Do It Again'
Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Survive Heated Rivalry Clash in Miami
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade
Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
