During Game 6 of the Boston Celtics vs NY Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis was off the bench for only 11 minutes. Yet the 7-foot star looked like his body just gave out. Porzingis said, “Like I could just lay down right here and just take a little nap, easy,” clearly exhausted. Though last season the athlete was crucial for the Celtics’ playoff run and their 2024 championship run. Porzingis has struggled throughout the entire 2024-25 season, as he entered the season with an injury that negatively affected his performance.
Likewise, he only managed an average of 4.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Porzingis said in a post-game interview, “It might be that the best thing I need right now is just rest. Get somewhere in the sun and let my system kind of even itself out. But it’s definitely a very frustrating time for me.” While Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics coach, also noted that the reason Porzingis was off the bench for so little time was because he was struggling to breathe.
So, after Boston’s elimination from the playoffs, everyone assumed the 7-foot star would now be focusing on recovery. On the contrary, Porzingis seems to have some other plans in his mind. Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn suggests that the star is set to appear in August’s EuroBasket. The NBA champion will apparently join the Latvian team over the summer for the international tournament. When the star spoke about getting some sun, we pictured some sunbathing and rest. But seems like he just wants to play on the European grass.
Kristaps Porzingis said he still plans to play in EuroBasket beginning in late August for Latvia. #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) May 17, 2025
As for the Celtics, they seem to be down two of their essential players. After Jason Tatum’s struggle with an injury to his Achilles, Porzingis is ready to take Europe. Joe Mazzulla must start thinking about the franchise’s future. So, what could that look like? Let’s see.
What is in store for the Celtics this summer?
The Celtics seem to have a long summer ahead. With the basketball penalties in place, Boston must decide which of their best players they are ready to let go. As it comes above the second tax apron, they cannot aggregate contracts in a trade. So, who could they part ways with?
Feb 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Well, one thing is quite straight: it definitely cannot be Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown, or even Derrick White. Though Boston was handed an early elimination, it could have looked completely different with Tatum by Brown’s side. So, the only possibility remains: Holiday, Porzingis, or Sam Hauser. With Porzingis’ $30.7 million contract, it would be difficult to find a team that will take his salary.
The Celtics also have two first-round draft picks, a cheap way to make their rotation complete. So, whether or not Jrue Holiday and Hauser will be traded, only time can tell.
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