Celtics fans seemingly continue to suffer from Danilo Gallinari-related PTSD, as depicted Wednesday when it was announced Kristaps Porzingis would take part in the FIBA World Cup this summer.
Porzingis, who Boston acquired last week in a three-team trade that sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies, will represent Latvia in the country’s first-ever World Cup.
For those who might need a refresher, Gallinari, who also was included in the deal for Porzingis, suffered a torn ACL while playing overseas during a FIBA World Cup qualifier last summer. It caused Gallinari to miss the entire 2022-23 campaign after Boston signed the veteran sharpshooter in hopes he would be an influential piece in a title run.
Fast forward to Wednesday and many Green Teamers expressed their concern about Porzingis playing in the tournament this offseason.
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Here’s what some of them had to say:
Porzingis will be under contract for $36 million in 2023-24 after picking up his player option. The C’s reportedly are interested in extending Porzingis, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given they dealt Smart in order to bring the 27-year-old to Boston. However, Green Teamers might appreciate it if Boston were to hold off tying more money to Porzingis until he’s able to return to Celtics.
Featured image via Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports Images
