Kristaps Porzingis’ arrival prior to the 2023-24 season played a key role in the Celtics’ run to a sought-after 18th championship.

But the 7-foot-2 big man’s two-year run in Boston ended on a sour note, as the center was hindered during final stretches of the 2024-25 season due to a lingering illness.

After missing eight straight games in March due the ailment, the symptoms resurfaced during the playoffs — sapping Porzingis of his strength and stamina as Boston tried to stay afloat against the New York Knicks.

Over 11 total playoff games this past spring, Porzingis averaged 20.9 minutes, 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting just 31.6 percent from the field — to go along with a 15.4 rate from 3-point range.

The illness confounded both Porzingis and the Celtic

See Full Page