Wiz of Awes
Fansided

4 former Wizards thriving elsewhere to start the 2023-24 season

By Cem Yolbulan

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball in the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball in the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Kristaps Porzingis

The Boston Celtics are 9-2 and looking like the best team in the NBA. They are surely going to be in the mix for winning it all come the playoffs. A huge factor in their success so far is Kristaps Porzingis.

Unicorn has arguably been Boston’s second-best player this season. He is shooting a career-best 68.2% from two and 40.8% from three. This translates to a 70.5% True Shooting, easily the most efficient season of Zinger’s career.

A big reason for this jump in efficiency is the role Porzingis is playing in Boston. His usage rate is a career-low 21.7%. This reduction in role has suited him well as his shot selection got better as he got cleaner looks thanks to the other offensive threats on the team. The Celtics play a five-out system where all five players can shoot, dribble, and make plays. This opens up the court for everyone and gets them easier, more efficient shots. Plus, he is usually guarded by weaker defenders as the opposing teams usually put their better defenders on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Porzingis has benefitted from this immensely as he is averaging 19.7 points in only 30 minutes per game.

Defensively, Porzingis continues to be a deterrent at the rim. Opponents are only shooting 60% at the rim and the Celtics have a league-best 104.3 defensive rating when he is on the court.

If he stays healthy for the rest of the season, Porzingis should be a leading candidate to make the All-Star team. What a loss for the Wizards, and what a slam dunk of a trade for the Celtics so far.

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