I know. I know. I was also there during Kristaps Porzingis' time with the Boston Celtics and remember just how frustrating it was. It just felt like he could never stay healthy, even when it seemed like he had things figured out, whether it was some sort of injury or illness (was it POTS? Long COVID? Something else? No clue).
But that doesn't change three things: 1) he is an incredible player when he is able to step out onto the floor, which was especially true next to the Jays in Boston, 2) the team desperately needs someone like him now as a stretch big (with championship experience, might I add), and 3) he clearly enjoyed his time with the Celtics (and, remember, he opted to join this team specifically via a sign-and-trade in 2023).
The Latvian native is an unrestricted free agent and is practically guaranteed to sign something closer to a veteran minimum than the two-year, $60 million deal he signed with the Celtics after the trade. If the money is right, this is a low-to-medium-risk, high-reward deal the team absolutely must make.
The Celtics should absolutely sign Kristaps Porzingis this summer
Porzingis has played a combined 64 regular season games in the last two years with the Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors. However, it seems that he has finally turned the corner, and with another full offseason ahead of him, that should only bode well for his health.
The one-time All-Star played in 14 of the Warriors' last 20 games last season (as well as their two Play-In games) and averaged 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks on 42.6/30.4/84.4% shooting splits in 24.3 minutes.
Porzingis' efficiency wasn't entirely there, but besides that, he played very well for Golden State, which included a 30-point, three-block performance in a revenge game against the Washington Wizards on Mar. 16.
Boston has some changes to make at center this offseason. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza are solid, but neither of them can start on a championship-level team. Porzingis (when healthy) can and did, and if the team can sign him on a very friendly deal, it should be a no-brainer.
Signing Porzingis would give the Celtics a stretch big man who can provide incredible defensive value, which they desperately need. And given how tough it will be for them to find a real upgrade at center this offseason (not many great trade candidates, relatively weak free agency class), it would make a ton of sense for the two sides to get together for a reunion (especially because we all know how well it worked out the last time the Celtics acquired him).
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