The Boston Celtics open their season series with the Atlanta Hawks tonight, but former Celtic Kristaps Porzingis will watch from the bench. The 7-foot-3 center, dealt to Atlanta in a three-team trade last summer, remains out with left Achilles tendinitis and will miss his fourth straight game.
Porzingis has appeared in just 17 of the Hawks’ 43 contests, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 24.3 minutes when available. Atlanta, pegged as an Eastern Conference contender after an active offseason, enters play at 20-23 and currently sits in the play-in tier.
Jaylen Brown, who spent two seasons with Porzingis in Boston, said at Saturday’s shootaround he looks forward to reconnecting with his former teammate. “He’s in my hometown,” said Brown, an Atlanta native who previously took Porzingis to a local American Deli and his high school. “I haven’t talked to him much lately, but it’ll be great to see him if he’s here tonight.”
Simons’ value grows
Guard Anfernee Simons continues to strengthen his case to stay in Boston. Acquired from Portland last summer, Simons delivered 39 points off the bench in Thursday’s win over Miami and has become a key scoring option. His $27.8 million expiring contract could help match salaries if president Brad Stevens pursues another center, but moving him would subtract a significant offensive weapon.
Frontcourt targets
The Celtics have been linked to Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, and league observers are mapping out potential trade frameworks. Conversely, team insiders express doubt that Boston will chase Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr., citing the four years and substantial money remaining on his deal.
Tatum progressing
Star forward Jayson Tatum remains on the mend from the Achilles tear he suffered in May. A league source told The Boston Globe there is no formal medical update, but rookie Jordan Walsh said Tatum “looks better than he did when he started… he’s in the gym all day, every day.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
