The Boston Celtics recently completed a trade involving Kristaps Porzingis as part of their efforts to reduce salary commitments. In exchange, the team acquired Boston native Georges Niang, who is fully aware of the challenge he faces stepping into Porzingis’s role amidst the intense expectations attached to the Kristaps Porzingis Celtics trade.
Niang spoke candidly during an appearance on The OGs podcast, acknowledging the tough reception he anticipates from Celtics supporters. He stated:
“I’m a Boston kid. I then get traded for Kristaps Porzingis. You know how tough Boston fans are. They don’t give a s**t if I’m from Boston or not, they’re like, You just took our unicorn and replaced it with a minivan. Get the f**k out of here.”
—Georges Niang, Celtics Forward
The Celtics fanbase is known for its harsh honesty, showing deep loyalty to players who perform but little patience for those who do not meet expectations. Porzingis, having contributed significantly to the team‘s success, had grown into a cherished figure among fans.
Letting go of Porzingis was not an easy decision for the Celtics’ front office. With the looming second apron affecting their salary cap flexibility, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was tasked with making difficult roster adjustments.
This restructuring also involved parting ways with two-time champion and All-Star guard Jrue Holiday. Although these moves freed up considerable cap space, they also notably weakened the overall strength of Boston’s roster.
Stevens remains optimistic about future success, emphasizing the team’s strategic plan to sign hardworking, talented young players whose performances exceed their contract values. He highlighted recent acquisitions like Josh Minott and Luka Garza as examples of this philosophy.
Niang accepts the need to maximize his contributions under these new circumstances. Reflecting on his mindset shift, he explained:
“It was like, ‘Okay, Georges, now what can you do to maximize what you have to help them win games?’ Because you don’t want to be in Boston when you’re losing. That’s for sure. So that’s how I’ve transitioned my mindset.”
—Georges Niang, Celtics Forward
Standing 6-foot-7, Niang offers a different skill set than Porzingis. While he lacks Porzingis’s size and defensive presence, Niang’s shooting, especially from three-point range, is a valuable asset for Boston’s offense.
Last season, Niang averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds, shooting a solid 46.1% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc. Given the Celtics’ heavy reliance on three-point shooting within their offensive schemes, Niang could serve as a reliable shooter to support the team.
The outlook for the Celtics next season remains uncertain, but the team may be poised for a strong resurgence if key players like Jayson Tatum remain healthy and new acquisitions continue developing according to plan.
Jaylen Brown Talks Sacrifices and Challenges with Celtics
Jaylen Brown recently spoke about the personal and professional sacrifices he has made as part of the Celtics organization, sharing his candid perspective on internal disagreements. His comments underscore the challenges faced within a team navigating change and rebuilding efforts.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What illness does Kristaps Porzingis have?
A. During most of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Boston Celtics struggled offensively because their key player, Kristaps Porziņģis, was greatly affected by post-viral syndrome.