Is A Porzingis To Boston Trade Possible?

A lot of trade rumors have circled since the Celtics traded down to number three. The most interesting of which might be Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. The 7’3″ forward out of Latvia could be the piece that Boston has been missing in their rebuild. Porzingis has the ability to protect the rim, control the glass, score inside, and spread the floor all things that the Celtics need from anyone who they decide to sign. Let’s break down what Porzingis could do for the green.

Protecting the rim

The Celtics have been in need of rim protection since Kevin Garnett was traded away in the Brooklyn deal. In signing Al Horford Boston added a presence in the paint, but shot blocking has never been the biggest part of Horfords game. As a team, the Celtics combined for a total of 340 blocks during the 2016-’17 season. Porzingis would make a significant contribution as a shot-blocker. On his own he totaled 129 blocks this past season in just 66 games played (5th most blocks per game in the NBA). Blocked shots often lead to changes in possession and fast breaks. The Celtics put teams away with their success on the fast break, so the more of those opportunities they can generate the better.

Controlling the glass

Another thing the Celtics have been missing for a few years is a dominant rebounder. Horford and Amir Johnson do a decent job of rebounding, but when facing the dominant big men in the league they always seem to struggle. Replacing Johnson, who is a free agent this summer, with Porzingis whoud create a one of the leagues most dominant front courts. It may not compare to Davis and Cousins in New Orleans, but they’ll be able to take possessions away from opposing teams and that’s all that matters.

Scoring

The best thing about Porzingis is arguably his ability to score the basketball. Putting the orange ball into the circle thingy is main objective of the game, and Kristaps is one of the best at that. He has both the ability to score the ball inside and spread the floor to knock down long range jumpers. Having a guy that can score inside, although it seems like a lost art these days, will always give your team a better chance to win. With Isaiah Thomas driving to the hoop so often, Porzingis becomes a passing option on each drive. If not a passing option, at 7’3″ he can play clean up getting rebounds and turning them into dunks and or easy layups. Porzingis wouldn’t have to be inside to help out IT. Thomas could still drive to the hole, and have Kristaps out by the 3-point line with the rest of Bostons capable shooters as another scoring option.

Reportedly New York wants two first round picks and probably a player to go with them. The Celtics have more picks than anyone else in the league, as well as forwards they could send to New York such as Jerebko, Olynyk, Mickey, or Zeller.

Porzingis’ versatility is what sets him apart form the other young bigs in the league, he’s good now and he’ll be great in the years to come. If Boston can put together a package for the Knicks to take, they would be silly not to make this deal.