Redick pinpoints Porzingis as 'difference-maker' for Celtics

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

JJ Redick pinpoints Kristaps Porzingis as 'total difference-maker' for Celtics

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/20/24

The Boston Celtics are widely expected to compete for an NBA championship this season. They're first in the Eastern Conference. They boast the best record in the league. And they have five starters that could all have made a case for an All-Star appearance. There's a lot to be excited about for Celtics fans.

Yet, JJ Redick believes it's one of Boston's recent additions that has turned the tide in their favor. When speaking on Tuesday's episode of ESPN's "First Take," Redick pinpointed Kristaps Porzingis as the team's difference maker.

"This guy is a total difference-maker for them," Redick said. "He has given them a new dynamic for their offense. And he's proving essentially the same defense that Robert Williams was giving them...Right now the Celtics have essentially tripled their frequency in post-ups. They're hunting mismatches. Kristaps Porzingis unlocks their defense (meaning offense)...He's having the most efficient season posting up the basketball in the past 10 years...He's the most important third option in the NBA."

Porzingis has been thriving behind the scoring gravity of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He has slotted into Joe Mazzulla's system with ease. He's having one of the most impactful seasons of his career. Furthermore, he's already developed strong bonds with some of his teammates, especially Brown.

The Celtics have needed a modern-day big man for multiple years. Porzingis' perimeter scoring ability has drastically improved the team's spacing within their five-out offense. Suddenly, Boston looks like the team to beat in the playoffs. Their top-end talent is capable of propelling them to the NBA Finals. Having Porzingis on the roster will ensure they have mismatches at every turn.

Now, Mazzulla will need to keep his team focused. If they can remain healthy and execute at a high level, the gamble to acquire Porzingis in the summer may be a historic decision for the franchise. After all, it's been 14 years since an NBA championship last went to Boston.

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