Kristaps Porzingis’ arrival prior to the 2023-24 season played a key role in the Celtics’ run to a sought-after 18th championship.
But the 7-foot-2 big man’s two-year run in Boston ended on a sour note, as the center was hindered during final stretches of the 2024-25 season due to a lingering illness.
After missing eight straight games in March due the ailment, the symptoms resurfaced during the playoffs — sapping Porzingis of his strength and stamina as Boston tried to stay afloat against the New York Knicks.
Over 11 total playoff games this past spring, Porzingis averaged 20.