The 2024-25 NBA playoffs' first round begins this weekend, and Boston Celtics fans can't wait to see if their team has what it takes to win the second of back-to-back championships.
The Celtics' postseason journey begins with an opening-round series against the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed Orlando Magic. Even though Joe Mazzulla's team is the overwhelming favorite across the board, the C's still need all of their top players to step up if they want to take the next step toward another NBA Finals appearance.
While most of the Celtics' stars are likely fully focused on the upcoming playoff run, one of the team's top players is already looking ahead to an offseason event.
Celtics News: Kristaps Porzingis to Represent Latvia at FIBA Eurobasket 2025
Boston.com's Khari A. Thompson reported on Wednesday that Kristaps Porzingis "plans to represent Latvia in the upcoming FIBA Eurobasket 2025 this summer." The 7-foot-2 veteran has represented his Latvian heritage several times on the international stage, most recently during the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
"Hopefully, I'll have a healthy playoff run now and I'll go into the summer healthy and have a great European Championship with Latvia," Porzingis told Thompson, adding that the international competition "gives me a burst of energy in the summertime."
KP can’t wait to be on the floor this time 🔥
— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) April 16, 2025
Porzingis confirmed he’ll play for Latvia 🇱🇻 in the upcoming #EuroBasket 2025! pic.twitter.com/8JBmauqEA1
Porzingis is one of the most popular Latvian athletes of all time, meaning his announcement is likely being celebrated throughout his home country. Although he hasn't led Latvia to a ton of international success, the 29-year-old veteran was named the 2015 EuroCup Rising Star and was also the 2017 EuroBasket blocks leader.
As mentioned before, Porzingis' last international action came when he tried to help Latvia qualify for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The former 2015 fourth-overall pick averaged 25.5 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in his two appearances that year, as Latvia went on to qualify for the tournament before eventually finishing in fifth place.
Latvia's success this summer will hinge on Porzingis' ability to stay healthy amid the Celtics' playoff run.
Injuries have plagued the former NBA All-Star throughout his career, including when he was limited to only 42 appearances during the 2024-25 regular season. He did make the most of his minutes when healthy, though, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 48.3% from the floor and 41.2% from deep.
Hopefully, Porzingis' health and FIBA aspirations don't prevent him from helping the Celtics go on another title run this spring. Fortunately, Boston's outlook is bright as Mazzulla & Co. head into the postseason with the second-best 2025 NBA Finals odds (+185) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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