BOSTON — Kristaps Porziņģis was already putting his competitive spirit on display before hitting the court with his new team.
At media day, players go through a series of interviews, news conferences, and photoshoots. It’s a complex operation that relies on all moving parts functioning smoothly.
Upon encountering a Ping-Pong table, Porziņģis challenged everyone to beat him before moving on to the next stop.
“I would say I’m a level above legendary,” Porziņģis joked to The Athletic. “No, I’m decent. But I need to improve some aspects of my game. My backhand needs work. My forehand is strong, but my backhand needs improvement.”
In the past, Porziņģis’ confidence and competitiveness were sometimes mistaken for ego. However, during his time in Dallas, where he played from January 2019 to February 2022, his reputation as a bad teammate circulated.
“I think every player has ego, right?” Porziņģis remarked. “It just needs to be in check. As you get older, you understand the bigger picture more easily.”
After experiencing a career turnaround in Washington, Boston took a chance on Porziņģis and hoped he could fit into their locker room dynamics. In Dallas, his partnership with Luka Dončić never quite meshed. So, Porziņģis made an effort to establish a good relationship with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
“They were welcoming to me here. There was no tension,” Porziņģis noted. “From Day 1, I made it clear that I’m here to help you guys win. That’s my sole purpose, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes. Whether it means coming off the bench or any other role, I’m on board.”
In the early stages of his career, Porziņģis seemed destined for stardom. However, his time in Dallas was plagued by injuries and fit issues, leading him to start anew.
His stint in Washington helped him rediscover his identity, and Boston offered him a chance for a fresh start.
“As a basketball player, I feel well-prepared, entering my prime. But on a personal level, this year has been eye-opening for me outside of basketball,” Porziņģis, 28, reflected. “But it was necessary. You always learn something, right? Your perspective evolves as you grow as a person.”
Porziņģis decided to try something different by living alone for the first time in Boston. The winter was challenging, but he found solace in having friends visit and spending time reflecting on personal matters.
Despite the loneliness, Porziņģis formed a strong bond with his neighbor Brown, who also plays for the Celtics.
“My previous experiences helped us establish a good connection right from the start, making for a smooth beginning,” Porziņģis shared. “You could see early on, JB and I clicked on the court with various plays.”
Porziņģis devoted time to studying Brown’s and Tatum’s games, learning their positions on the court, and working on their chemistry. He adjusted his playing style to complement his teammates and focused on team success rather than individual accolades.
Although Porziņģis took fewer shots during the season, he embraced his new role, and the Celtics thrived.
“Many big guys stick to what they’re comfortable with. He stepped out of his comfort zone, which made us a better team,” Tatum remarked.
Porziņģis set out to win a playoff series, something he hadn’t accomplished before. The Celtics aimed for their 18th championship banner.
Despite a relatively healthy season, Porziņģis suffered an injury in the first round against Miami, preventing him from taking the floor beyond that point.
As he prepares to return for the NBA Finals against Dallas, which starts Thursday in Boston, he knows he must confront his past to complete his journey.
Kristaps Porziņģis’ journey will come full circle against Luka Dončić and the Mavericks in the NBA Finals. (Glenn James / NBAE via Getty Images)
Before Porziņģis joined Dallas, his rise in New York saw him become the face of the Knicks after Carmelo Anthony’s departure. Despite the team’s struggles and Porziņģis’ injury woes, it felt like the Knicks were transitioning to his team.
“Coming from New York, when you’re young, you tend to focus on yourself. The big city like New York only amplifies that ego, making players feel larger than life. It’s the city’s hype,” Porziņģis explained.
However, a torn ACL and subsequent trade to Dallas changed things, and Porziņģis was no longer the focal point. Both he and the Mavs hoped he would regain form and become the ideal partner for Dončić to elevate the team. Even with a lucrative contract, he had to integrate with the rising star.
Coach Rick Carlisle aimed to implement a system that spaced Porziņģis to the corners, but his game was post-oriented. With ongoing injuries and a need for offensive consistency, Carlisle deemed it ineffective to post him up.
“We stopped doing that abruptly as it wasn’t working. Maybe if Rick had known I could be this effective, he would have been more patient,” Porziņģis commented. “I improved my post game, and if I had the current skillset when I first arrived in Dallas, things might have been different. I take responsibility for that, and Luka was playing exceptionally. We played through Luka, and I supported him.”
Teammates in Dallas testified that off the court, Dončić and Porziņģis got along fine, but Dončić’s youth and Porziņģis’ injuries strained their on-court chemistry.
“With their career points and the timing, it was challenging to maintain a synergy,” former Mavs teammate Dorian Finney-Smith observed.
Transitioning from a star in New York, Porziņģis accepted that it was now Dončić’s team. Adjusting to not being in the limelight was tough for him.
“In New York, I was the guy, but in Dallas playing alongside Luka, we just couldn’t mesh,” said Mavs’ wing Tim Hardaway Jr. “Accepting your role and being part of something bigger is crucial, and that’s what he did.”
Porziņģis acknowledged that despite their potential, it just wasn’t working out in Dallas. When he was traded to Washington in February 2022, he focused on making things right this time.
His Wizards teammates initially expected ego issues from Porziņģis due to their mediocre performance. However, they were pleasantly surprised by his positive impact in the locker room.
Connecting with teammates like Anthony Gill and Deni Avdija on and off the court, Porziņģis proved to be a valuable teammate and a great addition to the team.
Porziņģis was able to reinvent himself and his game in Washington. (Rich Storry / USA Today)
Upon arriving in Boston, Porziņģis had a conversation with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. The coach emphasized the importance of adapting to new roles and strategies, building a system inspired by soccer for better responsiveness to opponents.
Open-mindedness became a guiding principle for Porziņģis, allowing him to excel in various aspects, from game expectations to defensive reads.
“KP is open-minded due to his European background, being familiar with soccer, UFC, and European basketball,” Mazzulla noted.
In Boston, Porziņģis transitioned from a post-centric game to a more versatile style. He learned to post up when advantageous, and the team helped create those situations for him. His time in Washington taught him to exploit matchups against smaller defenders, becoming a valuable asset for his team’s offense.
“KP’s unique skills and versatility have been instrumental in our success,” Beal stated. “He found his rhythm with us last season, showcasing his aggressiveness and skills.”
The Celtics strategically built a team around Porziņģis as a central figure. Their offensive tactics aimed to create mismatches and challenge defenses with a lineup of exceptional shooters.
Porziņģis’ role involved reading defenses, making quick decisions, and either shooting or passing over defenders. Boston’s offensive strategy revolved around maximizing Porziņģis’ strengths and sacrificing individual shots for the team’s success.
Despite never winning a playoff series, the Celtics believed Porziņģis could be their key to success. His inclusion was intended to bolster the team’s performance during crucial moments in playoffs.
“Our focus was on adapting to endgame scenarios during the playoffs. We were prepared to handle switching defenses in clutch moments,” Mazzulla explained.
As Mazzulla implemented a system that mirrored late-game executions, Porziņģis emerged as a pivotal player in critical plays. Boston’s clutch performance significantly improved, showcasing their ability to navigate tight situations.
Porziņģis became the centerpiece of the Celtics’ strategic play “Octagon,” designed to leverage his strengths. The play relied on Porziņģis setting screens, capitalizing on mismatches, and making quick decisions to keep the offense fluid.
“With our versatile lineup, we pose a challenge for opponents. All five of us can contribute during crunch moments, creating a nightmare for our opponents,” Porziņģis remarked.
Entering his first NBA Finals, Porziņģis is the only player in the Celtics rotation without prior experience. However, Mazzulla believes their regular-season approach is equally effective in the playoffs, emphasizing consistency and teamwork, with Porziņģis playing a crucial role.
“At this stage of my career, I’m not focused on contracts or personal expectations. I’m settling into who I am as both a person and a player. With a contract in place, it’s the perfect opportunity for us to pursue a championship,” Porziņģis said.
Porziņģis acknowledges that he is no longer the franchise cornerstone, with Brown and Tatum leading the team. He is content with his role and remains focused on team success.
As he refines his post-game to be a valuable asset for the team, Porziņģis embraces his role and looks forward to achieving their ultimate goal.
“With Tatum and Brown leading the way, we’ve had a strong start this season. But it won’t mean much if we don’t win it all, and that’s our objective,” Porziņģis concluded.
(Top photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)