Last season, the Latvian center put up 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc.

On the Sunday night matchup between Boston and the Knicks in New York, the Celtics won 118-105. The Latvian Unicorn contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds, adding 2 assists and 3 blocks despite living a rough shooting night both from the field (6/15) and from three (2/9).

Star Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis has a special relationship with his team's fans. The Latvian center helped bring the first NBA title to the city since the Ubuntu-era Celtics back in 2008, and his absolute, evident joy at playing for a team in the mix for another chip is evident whenever he steps foot on the court.

Particularly of interest were his comments on the health of multiple Boston frontcourt players, and navigating the presumed changing of ownership that the Grousbeck family are pursuing almost from the moment the Celtics won Banner 18.

The star Boston big man will miss at least the first few months of the 2024-25 regular season while he recovers from a rare injury.