How Celtics Should (Or Could) Survive Kristaps Porzingis’ Absence

The Boston Celtics played 25 games without Kristaps Porzingis last season, winning 21, and will begin the much-anticipated title defense as the NBA’s reigning champions, too, without the 7-footer. But the deep cast of next-man-up-minded reserves isn’t worried about filling the void and keeping the train rolling.

Porzingis is confident that despite the setback that’ll creep its way into the start of Boston’s clean slate, he’ll return without missing a beat when the time presents itself.

“I’ve had so many unfortunate situations and then having to come back, it kind of prepared me for that moment last season — to not be able to play for such a long time and then having to jump back into the highest level game on the biggest stage,” Porzingis said on media day at Auerbach Center. “I think all of that, what I’ve been through in my career, prepared me for that moment. And I’ve proven once again to myself and to everybody else that I’m capable of doing that, and this season will be no different. I’m gonna have some time to get in rhythm, obviously, so there’s no pressure that I felt in the Finals. But still, I expect myself to jump right back in and help the team right away without having too much rust.”

Porzingis underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon, an injury that stuck by the 29-year-old throughout Boston’s 16-3 run in the playoffs en route to Banner 18. The multi-month-long recovery isn’t expected to keep Porzingis sidelined beyond December, however, it does mean Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla will need to call upon the other vertically-fortunate members of the roster. Specifically, four veteran big men who — to Boston’s advantage — were previously leaned on through different points of last season: Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman Sr.

Horford is approaching his age 38 season and 18th in the league. Two seasons ago, Horford challenged himself to remain serviceable while also regressing by adding a 3-point shot to be used more frequently to his offensive arsenal. He’s shot 43.4% from beyond the arc on 4.6 attempts over the last two seasons, and even though Tuesday night’s preseason debut wasn’t a great look, the Celtics will still need Horford’s minutes — although limited as the team won’t play him in back-to-backs.

Now a champion after 186 playoff games played — an NBA record — Horford is back to treating the upcoming year like any other.

“Preparation starts in the summertime in the offseason and this year was no different than my previous seasons,” Horford said on media day. “Obviously a shorter summer but putting in the work and starting (the following day) we started working as a team and trying to get to work and start building everything back up again. For us, once Kristaps went out last year, we all knew we had to step up a little more, and we’ll have to play in different ways, and there will be opportunities for different guys to come in and contribute.”

Queta and Tillman — who the Celtics acquired before the trade deadline — logged scattered appearances, mostly contributing with their frames in the frontcourt. Queta, an initial two-way signee, earned a multi-year contract before the front office inked Tillman on a two-year deal this past offseason. Yet, while Queta and Tillman have shown flashes of potential in their limited playing time, Kornet remains the backup.

Kornet averaged nine points playing in four of Boston’s five preseason games, along with 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Relied on mostly for defensive purposes, Kornet feels just fine about the challenge ahead, even though the 29-year-old also underwent (wrist) surgery in the offseason.

“I feel, honestly, a lot of confidence about myself and our entire group to be able to find ways to adjust and keep trying to grow and win,” Kornet said on media day. “I think it gives a great opportunity obviously for myself but also Xavier and Neemi of just kind of being ready to step in and fill and help our team and help us kind of figure it out one game at a time. I’ve talked about this a lot, but nothing really changes.”

Kornet added: “Whatever it takes to help our team win.”

Boston prided itself on getting comfortable with the uncomfortable last season. Jayson Tatum missed eight games, Jaylen Brown missed 12, Jrue Holiday was out for 13, and Derrick White didn’t play in nine, so Porzingis’ absence isn’t anything new. That doesn’t extract the inherent challenge factor, but if any team in the NBA is equipped to overcome the limited absence, it should be the Celtics.