Why Kristaps’ inconsistent appearances are Boston’s secret weapon

After an eight-game absence, Kristaps made his return in a doubleheader against the Brooklyn Nets. In those two games, Porzingis made an immediate impact, averaging 24.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. But this is nothing new for Porzingis in Boston. Kristaps has played just 90 of 164 possible regular-season games during his Celtics tenure and appeared in just 7 of the 19 playoff games last season. Yet, whenever he takes the floor, his presence reminds everyone why he is one of the best centers in the league.

The Celtics raised the Larry O’Brien trophy last season without Porzingis on the floor for much of their playoff run, but they were an entirely different team when he did play. With Porzingis in the lineup, Boston was nearly unstoppable. However, while there were certainly great teams in Boston’s path last season, the Celtics still had a 15+ game lead over every team. But this year, the Celtics are facing a very different landscape. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder are putting up historic numbers and boast rosters that have given Boston serious trouble.

Both Cleveland and OKC utilize elite double-big lineups that have been the Celtics kryptonite during this regular season. With Porzingis on the floor, however, Boston can counter these interior combos on both ends of the floor. The best part? Neither team has seen much of Kristaps. Last season, he missed Boston’s second-round series against Cleveland entirely and played in only two of their four regular-season matchups. In the two games against the Thunder, Porzingis only played in the first.

Although everyone would love it if Porzingis was available more consistently, his absences could work to Boston’s advantage in the postseason. Porzingis completely changes the dynamic of Boston’s offense and defense in ways that are almost impossible to prepare for. Nobody will be ready to face the sleeping giant.

Offensively, Porzingis makes the Celtics borderline unstoppable. Standing at 7’2”, he can space the floor and hit three-pointers, a valuable asset for a team that shoots more threes than anyone in NBA history. Even with limited appearances that would disrupt most players’ shooting rhythm, Kristaps is hitting at 39.4% from beyond the arc this season. If opposing defenses try to help off of him, Porzingis can consistently knock down the kick-out three-pointer. Additionally, Kristaps can bang in the paint, shooting 69.6% from within five feet of the basket.

Take the Celtics’ recent loss to the Thunder as an example. With Porzingis sidelined, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein controlled the interior, forcing Boston’s supporting cast to shoot an uncharacteristic amount of shots in the paint. If Kristaps had been on the floor, one of those bigs would have been forced to guard him on the perimeter, opening up lanes for drives to the hoop. Against the Thunder’s aggressive switching defense, Porzingis would have also had the opportunity to expose their wings and guards in the post. The same strategy would apply against the Cavaliers, where players like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley have presented similar challenges.

In addition to his offensive versatility, Kristaps’ greatest impact is on the defensive end. A graphic during Boston’s most recent game against Brooklyn allows us to quantify his impact. Before his first return from injury in November, the Celtics ranked 10th in defensive rating, and opponents had the 7th-highest field goal percentage in the restricted area. When Porzingis played more regularly between November 25th and February 26th, the Celtics surged to the second-best defensive rating in the league and allowed the fewest points in the restricted area. However, during his recent absence due to illness, Boston’s defensive rating slipped to 14th, and opponents found success in the restricted area, ranking 8th in field goal percentage.

This data is critical when considering Chet Holmgren and Evan Mobley, who can stretch the floor for the Thunder and Cavaliers, respectively. Porzingis is better equipped to guard them on the perimeter than Al Horford or Luke Kornet. More importantly, with Kristaps on the floor, Boston doesn’t need to worry about him getting caught on a switch against smaller guards. Just look at the Celtics’ recent loss to the Cavs, where Horford struggled to keep up with quicker guards driving from the perimeter. And, of course, Porzingis’ elite rim protection can fend off the opponent’s interior presence.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Kristaps’ psychological impact on opponents cannot be overstated. Bill Sy captured it perfectly when he said that “there might always be a cloud of mysticism surrounding” Kristaps. While the Celtics are an elite team without him, his presence makes them something that other teams fear. I like to imagine Chet Holmgren having nightmares about Kristaps’ ominous grin and wink the night before a game.

Also, if there is something to be said about the Celtics’ chemistry, Porzingis might be the most critical piece. In a season where the team has often looked like they are slogging through the grind of a regular season, Kristaps consistently brings energy and enthusiasm. Every time Porzingis takes the floor, he has a smile on his face, and his teammates always follow suit — the most I have ever seen Jaylen Brown smile is next to Kristaps. His emotional spark is more than just a morale booster, it often pushes the Celtics to another gear. Not to mention, as if the Celtics needed more help from their fans, there’s a heightened energy in the Garden whenever Porzingis steps onto the floor, enhancing Boston’s already unmatched home-court advantage.

Ultimately, Kristaps Porzingis’ nickname, “The Unicorn,” may be more fitting than ever. His rare and versatile skillset, combined with his elusive yet impactful presence, could very well be Boston’s secret weapon in accomplishing the mythical goal of repeating as champions.