The Boston Celtics’ repetition of attempts as an NBA champion was partially injured by Kristaps Porziņģis’s inability to stay on the floor and make a meaningful contribution in the playoffs.
Brad Stevens, president of the Celtics basketball business, addressed Porzingis's condition on Monday, which may herald the offseason and next season.
advertise
"I don't think anyone is more upset than him," Stevens explained. "I feel for him because the way it is described is just post-viral syndrome, which is just the lingering effect of the long-term illness."
The Celtics described Pozingis' condition as an upper respiratory and non-rotational disease in the Eastern Conference semi-final series against the New York Knicks. The Senior Center played 13 minutes in the 1st and 12th minute of Game 5, and coach Joe Mazzulla later said Porzingis did not play in the second half because "he couldn't breathe."
In the Knicks' six playoff defeats, Porzingis averaged 4.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.8 blocks at 15.5 minutes per game. He was able to contribute with the Orlando Magic in the first round series in Boston, with an average of 12 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 27.4 minutes.
advertise
These figures are well below the regular season average of 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, shooting 41% from the field on 250 3-point attempts. However, he only played 42 games when he recovered from ankle surgery, and then struggled with his illness from late February to early March, losing eight games.
Stevens said he thought Porzingis had “turned” in recovery and listed his 34-point performance against the Knicks in his second regular season game. However, a demanding playoff schedule may prevent him from resting and recovering further, which also applies to Jaylen Brown and the crescent moon logo he played with.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon may agree, expressing the same concerns after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 on Sunday.
"Travel and recovery days, just two days, I think the product of the game will be much better," Gordon said. "Just to give all these professional athletes another day of rest and you'll see higher basketball levels. There's probably less blowout."
advertise
However, the Celtics don't seem to be worried about Palsins' complete recovery in the offseason. Stevens said in his press that the 7-foot player is expected to play for Latvia in the FIBA Eurobasket Championship from August 27 to September 14.
Porzingis signed another season of contract for $30.7 million, completing a two-year, $60 million extension he signed after the Celtics acquired him before the 2023-24 season.