In the eyes of some people, the 2022-23 NBA season was a major disappointment for the Boston Celtics. After winning the Eastern Conference the season before, they were defeated by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in June. They went down 3-0 to the Miami Heat before ultimately losing the series in Game 7 at home, which was more salt in the wound.
Looking to get things back on track, the Celtics have made some major moves this offseason. The biggest was signing Jaylen Brown to the supermax contract that he was eligible for, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history.
The biggest change, roster-wise, came earlier in the offseason. The Celtics took part in a major three-team trade with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies that led to Marcus Smart, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala and Julian Phillips being moved. Coming to Boston were Kristaps Porzingis, Marcus Sasser and a 2024 first-round pick.
Porzingis, coming off arguably the best season of his career, is a major addition to the Boston frontcourt. As a third option on offense, he should be able to do some real damage with opponents focusing all of their attention on Jayson Tatum and Brown. Defensively, Porzingis has shown great rim protection instincts, turning into a solid two-way player.
However, his presence could lead to more moves down the line. In the opinion of Jared Weiss of The Athletic, Porzingis’ arrival could lead to the departure of starting center Robert Williams III.
“Now with the arrival of Kristaps Porziņģis, someone who can do just about everything you could ask for from a big in a spaced-out offense, Williams has to evolve,” Weiss wrote. “For the first time since he emerged in Boston’s rotation, Williams could become expendable.”
On an affordable four-year, $48 million contract, the Celtics certainly don’t *have* to trade Williams; the option is just now a possibility with Porzingis in the fold. Boston still has Al Horford for the frontcourt rotation but did lose Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks this offseason via sign-and-trade.
On paper, Porzingis and Williams should fit well alongside each other. Williams, who excels defensively, can cover for any deficiencies Porzingis has on that end of the court. Offensively, Williams plays around the rim while Porzingis is comfortable on the perimeter.
If Williams doesn’t show the kind of improvement that the Celtics are hoping for, a trade could certainly come down the pipeline later. With Oshae Brissett being signed in free agency and Luke Kornet back, Boston certainly has depth up front to make a move centered around Williams should the opportunity present itself.
More must-reads: