Porzingis Candidly Compares Celtics Experience to Previous NBA Stops appeared originally on NBC Sports Boston
Kristaps Porzingis loves playing in Boston.
That much is evident, not only because the Celtics big man has said it on several occasions, but also because he seems to play with a permanent smile on his face.
Porzingis’ joy is partly fueled by the Celtics’ success; after just two playoff appearances (both first-round exits) in his first eight NBA seasons split between the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards, the 7-foot-2 big man immediately tasted victory last season . Boston’s championship team basked in the support of an extremely passionate fan base.
So is adjusting to the Celtics the most fun Porzingis has had as a pro? After Boston’s 123-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on Thursday, Porzingis responded with a brief but interesting retrospective of his career thus far.
“I sure do enjoy playing like crazy here, don’t I?” Porzingis said. “But I’d say I had a lot of fun in Washington, too, even though we weren’t winning. I really enjoyed my time there.
“I always enjoy playing for the (Latvia) national team — a lot of joy because you’re not forced, you’re there because you want (to be there). It’s a different atmosphere. I’ve also had some good years.” also in Spain (before joining the NBA).
In short, Porzingis has had fun almost everywhere he’s played — with one notable exception.
“Obviously, my time in Dallas was a little bit more than grinding my teeth and trying to get that joy,” Porzingis added. “But also New York — honestly, I always enjoy basketball. Maybe I’ve lost it a little bit.” a bit in Dallas.
“Back then in Washington nobody paid that much attention, but I had a lot of fun and now you guys see me and you see my vibe, I’m smiling and happy.”
The Knicks traded Porzingis to Dallas in January 2019 to pair him with fellow European superstar Luka Doncic, but that experiment went sideways in a hurry. Then-head coach Rick Carlisle used Porzingis more in a space-the-floor role, encouraging 3-pointers over post-ups. Porzingis had one of the least effective seasons of his career and was matched up with Doncic at times before Dallas traded him to Washington in early 2022.
According to Porzingis, he regained his love for basketball with the Wizards despite the team’s poor results. And when he went from one of the NBA’s worst teams to one of the best last summer, that joy reached a new level.
“I’d say that’s the way I’ve been for most of my career,” Porzingis said. “Right now I’m back on a bigger stage and here everyone can see how I’m playing and how I’m enjoying the game.”
Porzingis’ enjoyment shows on the court; has averaged 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game for the reigning champions since his season debut on Nov. 25.
The Celtics are back in action on Sunday against Porzingis’ former team in Washington, with tip-off set for 6pm ET.