Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis reflects on time with Mavericks
As the Boston Celtics prepare to push toward capturing an NBA record 18th championship, it marks the first Finals appearance for star big man Kristaps Porzingis.
The Dallas Mavericks, Porzingis’ former team, oppose the Celtics earning their first NBA title in nearly two decades. As the 28-year-old preps for the most significant moment of his career, he expressed no ill will toward Dallas or Doncic.
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“Not all of it was like not good,” Porzingis said via ESPN. “We had some good moments. We had some decent moments, but overall it just didn’t work for both sides. It wasn’t perfect. But I would say everything — teammates, locker room — I know at that time there were some rumors that there was something in the locker room. It was never like that. It was all just noise at the end.
“It just wasn’t perfect for us playing together, and it didn’t work out. And that’s it. There’s no ill will, I don’t think from their side. For sure, [there is not] from my side. I don’t think there should be. It just didn’t work out, but I have nothing but love for Dallas and for my teammates and for everybody there.”
It’s been a long path for Porzingis since the Mavericks traded him to the Washington Wizards before in 2022. He struggled to find his footing in Washington, which has turned into a golden situation with Boston.
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Porzingis holds the opportunity to be a pivotal factor on the floor against Dallas. When healthy, he’s proven to be a highly effective scorer and rim protector. He hasn’t played since Game 1 of the first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat.
Porzingis is set to return to the court for Game 1 against the Mavericks, which sets the stage for an intense NBA Finals matchup.
