Al Horford Shares Where Kristaps Porzingis Has Impressed Him Most

While it looks different than when Al Horford teamed with Robert Williams, he and Kristaps Porzingis are quickly proving a potent pairing.

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

After the Boston Celtics' preseason opener, a 114-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Kristaps Porzingis conveyed the following to Inside The Celtics about the synergy developing between him and Al Horford.

"I absolutely love playing with Al. He's very experienced and (has) been in all kinds of situations and knows the game so well. There's a lot to learn from him, and (he's) just a smart player. There were a few moments where I saw his experience in those situations and how he reacted on the defensive end, and I'm looking forward to having more minutes on the court with him."

Friday at the Auerbach Center, the latter weighed in on the subject.

"I feel pretty good where we are. I feel like the fact that we were both in here early in September really helped us get into a nice start. Obviously, we have a ways to go, continuing to develop the chemistry, but I feel pretty good where we're at."

Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) shoots against Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8).

Horford went on to praise the seven-foot-three center's abilities in drop coverage, including his communication, ensuring that his teammates are in the proper position to prevent what the opposition is working to achieve.

"I feel like he's really doing a good job with the attention to detail, especially on the defensive end with us. We're asking him to do a lot and to cover a lot of things, and already, I feel like he's having my back, covering different positions on the court. So, defensively, I think that, for me, I've been most impressed with -- everybody knows his offense. His offense is great. We know he can do a lot of things, but on defense, he's doing a good job of talking to us, protecting the basket, and really staying active."

The former Florida Gator added he's been impressed by Porzingis' instincts at the defensive end of the floor.

"Sometimes it's not easy when you're in the back, in the back line, trying to recognize when to come help, when to drop off, things like that. And it comes pretty easy to him from what I've seen. He's (been) able to recover and make a play and be there to help us."

While what the Latvian native provides offensively garnered much of the attention when Boston first acquired him, what the former All-Star is showcasing defensively is his evolution into an outstanding defender in drop coverage.

Porzingis' form of rim protection doesn't resemble Robert Williams,' but the Celtics still have an elite tandem in the frontcourt who pair like fine red wine and a succulent steak.

The fact the former fourth-overall pick is already handling the defensive responsibilities put on his plate and steering his new teammates in the right direction is a testament to his instincts and basketball IQ.

It also reflects how much room for upside there is as the 2023-24 campaign, one only in its exhibition stage, progresses.

Further Reading

NBA Insider Explains Why Celtics Might Utilize Jrue Holiday as Sixth Man

Details of Payton Pritchard's Extension with Celtics Revealed

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. 76ers: Regulars Shine, Roster Battles Intensify

Oshae Brissett's Value to the Celtics on Full Display in Preseason

[Film Room] Lamar Stevens States Case for Celtics' Roster Spot

From Envisioning Being a Buck for Life to Joining Top Rival, Jrue Holiday's Ready to Help Celtics Get Where He's Already Been

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present

Determined to Deliver Banner 18, Jayson Tatum's 'Looking Forward to Doing More, And So Should Everybody Else"

Candace Parker on Celtics Trading Marcus Smart, Maximizing Tatum-Brown Tandem, Pat Summitt, and the Sports Matter Initiative

Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule

Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball