There are always winners and losers in the business of NBA deals. The Boston Celtics’ acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis has sparked considerable discussion. While many fans and analysts lauded the deal as a wise decision by the Celtics, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins had a different take. Perkins, who is known for his frank comments, has taken to refuting the Porzingis hype and criticising the Celtics’ decision.
Perkins has expressed questions about Porzingis’ ability to live up to expectations and questioned the Celtics’ reasoning behind the move. Perkins’ unique thoughts and candid opinion give an intriguing perspective to the ongoing debate about the Porzingis deal and its consequences for the Celtics.
Perk voices displeasure over Marcus Smart’s trade to Grizzlies
The trade between the Celtics and Grizzlies involving Marcus Smart and Kristaps Porzingis has attracted criticism and scrutiny from NBA enthusiasts. Perkins expressed his displeasure, emphasizing Smart’s importance to the Celtics as a defensive competitor and leader.
Perkins emphasized Smart’s contributions to the squad, praising his defensive abilities as well as his ability to provide offensive support. He questioned the Celtics’ choice to move Smart, whom he considered the team’s heart and soul, implying that the organisation had run out of patience and had taken a hazardous gamble.
Furthermore, Perkins questioned Porzingis’ sudden popularity, stating that such zeal was lacking during his time with the New York Knicks and his time in Dallas with Luka Doncic. He noted that Porzingis is now in a less stressful scenario in Wizards, where expectations are lower.
Talking about Porzingis, he has posted excellent numbers with the Knicks and Mavericks, he has struggled to handle pressure and make an impact in the playoffs. The trade’s success remains unknown as the Celtics try to fill the vacuum left by Smart’s departure.
Former Celtics center not high on Kristaps’ move to 16-time NBA Champs
The latest trade involving Marcus Smart being sent to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Boston Celtics receiving Kristaps Porzingis and draught selections has piqued the interest of former Celtics players. Kendrick Perkins is one such player who has raised reservations about the transfer.
Perkins believes the Celtics made a hurried move and failed to learn from teams such as the Denver Nuggets, who kept their core intact while developing the supporting cast around their key players.While the Celtics‘ acquisition of Porzingis adds scoring firepower and shot-blocking abilities, Perkins couldn’t ignore the reality that they gave away the team’s heart and soul.
I’m still not over the Celtics trading Marcus Smart… and TBH I don’t know how long it may take! Still doesn’t make sense to me. Carry the hell on… https://t.co/OVK08BJE5c
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 23, 2023
Perkins highlighted Marcus Smart’s role as a leader and questioned the Celtics’ tolerance in dealing with him. While the trade for Porzingis could provide them with more consistency and offensive firepower, losing a locker-room leader like Smart could have potential repercussions.
Only time will reveal the outcome of the trade, and fans are hoping that Perkins’ skepticism proves unfounded. The Celtics now possess a potential Big 3 with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Porzingis, but the absence of Smart’s leadership will be closely watched.
What is your take on this trade deal? Do let us know what you feel about it in the comment box.
