For many teams, the biggest off-season move is yet to come. The free hand is fast approaching and some notable players could still be dealt.
In the Celts’ In that case, the big acquisition this off-season appears to have already happened. The three-way deal for Kristaps Porzingis was a bold and risky move by a long-established franchise seeking its first championship since 2008.
Porzingis changes the dynamic leading up to the Celtics. The often-injured 7’3″ Porzingis played 65 games for the Wizards – his most since the 2016-17 season – and regained his All-Star form. He averaged career-high 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks. He also scored 38.5% of his 3-point attempts.
Porzingis could play as either a power forward or a center, depending on the style Joe Mazzulla wants to keep up with the opposition. He could play Robert Williams or Al Horfordprovided no further trade is made with Jayson Tatum at small forward and Jaylen Brown as a shooting guard in larger formations.
Alternatively, he could fill the middle while Tatum and Brown occupy the forward positions.
Of course, Porzingis had to pay a price. He’s signed on to his $36 million contract and the Celtics are reportedly looking to extend it.
That would land them three giant pay calls, with Porzingis, Tatum and Brown claiming significant premier league space.
With Tatum and Brown in the lineup, Porzingis is unlikely to match his offensive numbers from last season. However, he will offer the Celtics a much stronger option compared to the aging Horford and defensive-minded Williams. He will also give the Celtics a lot more size defensively to take on Eastern Conference rivals Joel Embid And Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Give up Marcus Smart was a calculated risk just a season away from being named Defensive Player of the Year. Smart’s tenacity and leadership will be lacking and the full-back could suffer without him.
Derrick White characters play a bigger role and they have to hope Malcolm BrogdonThe elbow injury does not require surgery. Payton Pritchard should also get the playing time he desires.
Which brings us to our topic of the day: What do you think of the Celtics acquiring Kristaps Porzingis? Will that make them the team to beat in the Eastern Conference, or will they regret trading Marcus Smart for the often-injured big man?
Please use the comments section to comment on this topic. We look forward to your input.