Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t played since Game 4 of the Boston Celtics ’ opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat. But he’s been working his way back and has been a full participant in practice as the Celtics prepare for their NBA Finals matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics have made their way through the playoffs without Porzingis against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers.
And according to two Celtics champions, his return won’t come with as much added pressure for him as an individual for a few reasons. “I think for him, the beauty about him is he doesn’t have to be the best player,” Paul Pierce said during a recent episode of “ The Ticket & The Truth ” podcast. “Just his presence alone on the defensive end, with his height and his athleticism to block shots, his shooting ability.
That’s a presence that makes this offense unlock even more. ..
. I know he’s not going to be fully 100% (healthy). His presence is everything to unlock that offense and defense.
” Kevin Garnett agreed, noting Porzingis just being on the court is going to help his former team get to “ another level at both ends .” The 2008 Celtics champ also discussed the amount of time the Celtics will have off between their last game and Game 1 against Dallas. “The beauty about this time off, you can test it.
He’s been out two series. I’m pretty sure he’s getting shots up and still in a rhythm,” Garnett said. “It’ll just be about his.
