When the Boston Celtics made one of the most iconic moves in the offseason by acquiring Kristaps Porcingis from Washington Wizardsthey were thinking big—topically, strategically, and quite literally.
Porzingis, who is listed at 7 feet 3 inches in basketball reference, would be the second tallest player in franchise history behind Tacko Fall. The Latvian was estimated to have a wingspan of 7 ft 6 when ranked fourth overall by Nix in 2015.
Boston has brought in three smaller additions since the trade, and all three have significant measurable advantages in their positions. Second-round rookie winger Jordan Walsh is 6-foot-7 with a ridiculous wingspan of 7-foot-2, forward O’Shea Brissett can stretch 7-foot-7 at 6-foot-7, and guard Dalano Banton stands somewhere between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-6 and 9, depending on which source you trust.
This commitment is most visible to the length and size of the site in Brad Stephens’ tenure as coach or head of basketball operations. Sure, we’ve seen the Celtics occasionally gamble with size and height in the past. Robert Williams III and Romeo Langford had outside wings who appealed when they were first-round picks, and calling Fall’s unique frame is an understatement.
But there have never been so many movements with such a clearly defined theme. I’d argue that a couple of weeks ago, Luke Kornet was the only addition to the GM Stevens era with notable gauges. Previous signings seemed inspired by an easy-to-imagine role or a missing skill. Those four seem different so far, because in all four, we’re not really sure what the roles will look like.
Porzingis commands correctly most of the question marks, but he’s also easier to shoot in the NBA offense because he’s carved his stature. He can help eliminate areas and diversify crime out of officeAnd take the pressure off Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Just as importantly, Porzingis will likely be a staple of the fall coverage defense that became the standard last season. Boston hopes the huge size difference from Horford’s 6-foot-10 to Porzingis, for example, will make coverage more imposing. Trading Marcus Smart, the brilliant screen navigator, puts more pressure on Porzingis to threaten his size.
But what about the other three? The Celtics have filled 13 of their 15 full roster spots with Walsh and JD Davison still technically unsigned (although Justin Champagnie’s contract isn’t guaranteed). And there’s Phil Grant Williams in the room — so no matter where he ends up, this list is close to making, barring a surprise move.
Banton and Brissett have been hanging around the edges of their regular NBA playing time since making it to the pros, but they’re only 23 and 25 years old, respectively. Walsh has league-ready defensive tenacity, though he does have some development to do offensively. The chances of breaking into one or more times in the regular season rotation may be higher than you think.
The Celtics didn’t add these players to target specific weaknesses on a 57-win team. They are changing their approach to contention for the title, and believe that crosses of height and skill here can help achieve the vision.
Banton is the antithesis of his teammate Payton Pritchard – a solid, fast-paced driver with attractive defensive versatility and a completely non-hazardous jumper. It would be great to watch the two vie for playing time as a potential third point guard for Boston.
Pantone thread
I think this is a good, fun, different signing for the Celtics. The 23-year-old, 6-foot-9 combo guards with a unique combination of skills to use with his height.
First: pantone is a serious transitional weapon that Boston needs. He likes to pick up the pace pic.twitter.com/BtdRlO0Unz
– Ethan Fuller (@ethman43) July 3, 2023
Brissett could end up replacing Grant Williams if the latter departs, but his backup-forward style is very different. He is taller and more effective on assist defense and as a shot blocker than Williams, whose best work has been based on sound positioning and physical fitness. Unlike Williams, Brissett is more of a vertical athlete and real threat than a stripper. But Williams has also honed his perimeter shot into a weapon with the Celtics. Brissett still struggles with the lines.
Some quick thoughts on Oshae Brissett!
Like it as the lowest bargain alternative. There will be defensive versatility, a little punch to the glass his size, but I’m also interested to see if he can attack from the second side/make quality cuts in Boston’s offense.
Two syllables from each: pic.twitter.com/Mxxa4rt3Tk
– Ethan Fuller (@ethman43) July 1, 2023
Walsh is in an entirely different category as a developmental junior. It wouldn’t be surprising if he spent most of the season in the G League like Davison did last year. But there is also a world where the Arkansas winger “violent” Defense has an immediate effect in a few minutes.
All four additions could spark the biggest collective change in defence. The Celtics are ranked 12th in the postseason defensive rankings, and even with a top five finish in the regular season, things still feel like a step backwards from 2021-22. Joe Mazzulla is slowly starting to pull the team away from Ime Udoka’s heavy-handed schemes, and these signings feel like reinforcements.
Walsh makes a great defender on the ball and swaps cannonballs. His length also allows him to pounce on fairways and close them in hard on shooters. The brisket can likewise lock down difficult shots and change shots. Pantone has a nose for the ball whether it’s on or off the ball. Every man seems capable of strengthening the back line; It’s not just about how you slide to the point of attack.
Then on offense with Porzingis driving touchdowns behind Tatum and Brown, finding cutouts and outlets for the three playmaking axes is the next logical step. Walsh, Banton, and Brissett will all have to discover their shooting struggles to stand out, but all three at least offer promise as breakers and threats to the leadership. This is another welcome sight given the peaks and valleys of last season’s Boston action and divergence.
These four signings will impact the 2023-24 Celtics on different levels. Porzingis is obviously a pivot, but others can jump over their teammates, or they may not play important minutes at all. That’s not to say they’re unimportant additions – Brad Stevens’ big-picture approach to menu building seems to usher in a new stylistic era.