Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis' Expected Return Date From His Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) reacts after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter in game two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

'It’s the Perfect Scenario' – Atlanta Hawks’ New Acquisition is Hyped to Join the Team Ahead of the 2025-26 Campaign

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 10:38 AM ET

The Atlanta Hawks are one of the biggest winners of the 2025 free agency thus far, following their acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics and signing free agents Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard.

In an exclusive interview with Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Latvian international detailed his final season in Boston and his excitement about joining the Atlanta Hawks.

“Our season (with the Celtics) didn’t end last year the way we wanted to,” Porzingis said. “But this is how it goes, you know. And obviously, we expected that there were going to be changes in my whole team. And having a little bit longer summer than usual is, it’s awesome always as a player, because it’s just, the NBA season is tough, and also (I) jumped in the middle of the season, and it’s obviously tough.”

Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) dunks the ball against Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter of game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

“Just having this time off and being able to recharge a bit and get ready for a big summer, and then going into next year, it’s, honestly, it’s the perfect scenario, the perfect scenario. And I’m super, super excited about what’s coming,” he added.

Atlanta Hawks News: Kristaps Porzingis receives high praise from GM

Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh is excited to have Kristaps Porzingis on because of his unique skill set. In the team’s press release, Saleh detailed what the Atlanta Hawks fans can expect from the one-time NBA champion.

Mar 30, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) passes the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

“Kristaps is a unique and versatile talent with championship pedigree. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and make plays on both ends adds another dimension to our team. We are fortunate to add a player of his caliber to our group,” Saleh stated.

The only concern about Porzingis is his durability, as he has never played more than 57 regular season games for the Boston Celtics. In his final season in Beantown, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks on 48/41/81 shooting splits across 42 regular season starts.