Golden State Warriors fans, the wait is finally over-Kristaps Porzingis is set to make his much-anticipated debut against none other than his former team, the Boston Celtics, this Thursday night. After joining the Warriors through a trade that sent Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks, Porzingis is ready to hit the court.
Despite a challenging season with the Hawks, where he played only 17 games due to illness and Achilles tendinitis, Porzingis put up solid numbers: 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. Now, as he suits up for Golden State, he’s expected to come off the bench initially, easing back into action while recovering from his injuries. There's potential for him to earn a starting spot as he regains full strength.
Facing the Celtics, the team he won an NBA title with in 2024, adds an extra layer of intrigue to his debut. Porzingis himself described the matchup as "weird," acknowledging the unexpected twists that brought him to this point.
"Who would believe this? But this is how it works," he shared, noting the inevitable roster changes teams face.
While Porzingis' debut is a thrilling prospect for Warriors fans, they'll have to wait a bit longer to see him team up with Steph Curry. Curry will miss the game against Boston due to a lingering knee issue, delaying the opportunity for the duo to showcase their on-court chemistry. Nonetheless, Porzingis' arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the Warriors as they look to integrate his unique skill set into their lineup.