Kristaps Porzingis Playing In FIBA World Cup Has Celtics Fans Nervous

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.

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.