Kristaps Porzingis is about to send the Celtics into overdrive
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis.
Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics have spent the first 17 games of the NBA season cycling through their big-man rotation. Al Horford, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta have all had their turn in the starting lineup as Boston awaits Kristaps Porzingis’ return from injury.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, that wait is finally over, as the All-Star big man is set to make his season debut against the LA Clippers on Monday.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis plans to make his season debut tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Porzingis returns five months after undergoing foot surgery. pic.twitter.com/4te4hw9N2A
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 25, 2024
When healthy, Porzingis elevates the Celtics to new heights. He is an elite rim-protector who moves his feet well and has the lateral quickness to survive in switching schemes, too. On offense, he completes Boston’s five-out offense while also being an elite three-point threat and boasting exceptional post-scoring.
It’s worth remembering that Joe Mazzulla’s team navigated most of the 2024 postseason without Porzingis in the rotation. They’ve proven they can win without him. However, as the numbers prove, they’re exceptionally difficult to beat when on the floor.Â
According to Cleaning The Glass, Boston was +11.8 points better per 100 possessions during the 3494 regular-season possessions Porzingis was on the court for. They ranked in the 89th percentile for defensive points allowed. They also sat in the 92nd percentile for offensive points score.
As such, it’s clear that Porzingis is the catalyst that takes the Celtics from being very good to mindboggling-dominant. While he’s unlikely to make a big impact in the coming weeks, as he works his way to full fitness, it will only be a matter of time until Boston gets rolling again.
The rest of the NBA should take notice. The Celtics are nearing full strength. And with that, they could look unstoppable once again.Â
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