Washington Wizards Ex-Forward Predicted to Play in NBA Finals
During the NBA offseason, the Washington Wizards executed a number of trades including one that sent forward Kristaps Prozingis to the Boston Celtics.
While the Wizards aren't expected to compete for much more than a small share of wins this season, the Celtics are projected by many to make a deep run in the playoffs, even making it as far as the NBA Finals.
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"With continuity already on the roster, Boston possesses the most overall talent in the East with four All-Star starters in Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis," says Michael C. Wright of NBA.com. "Out West, the defending champion Nuggets lost depth this offseason...But the starting five remains intact."
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) shoots against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) during the first half at TD Garden.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
During his time in Washington Porzingis averaged 22.9 points per game in two seasons surpassing his previous high of 20 per game in three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
After entering the NBA with the New York Knicks in 2015 Porzingis was expected to be a franchise-saving addition to the roster but just three seasons later was traded to Dallas as the team decided to move in other directions.
With Boston, some view this as his first true opportunity to win a championship as he joins a team that has already been competitive for years before adding his versatile style of play.
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This preseason for the Celtics Porzingis averaged 15.5 points per game and was second on the team in both rebounds (7.5 per game) and blocks (1 per game) while playing an average of 23.1 minutes.
The Wizards won't have to wait long to see their former teammate when Boston takes a trip to the DMV for a matchup on October 30 inside Capital One Arena.
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