The Golden State Warriors are placing enormous pressure on Kristaps Porzingis to remain healthy this season, especially while six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler remains sidelined by injury.
But pressure also creates opportunity. Butler’s injury and the state of the Warrior roster gives Porzingis a chance to establish a significant offensive role, something the Boston Celtics couldn’t previously offer consistently because of the abundance of talent on their roster during the Latvian's two seasons.
Warriors can give Kristaps Porzingis offensive role Celtics couldn’tÂ
Porzingis averaged a career-high 23.2 points in his final year with the Washington Wizards in 2022-23, before being moved to the Celtics in a trade during the 2023 offseason. The former All-Star averaged 19.8 points across his two years in Boston -- a slight drop that was attributed to averaging over two field-goal attempts less.
It wasn't a significant drop but one reflective of playing a role behind two star forwards in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. With Butler out till the new year, Porzingis won't have that issue with Golden State where he'll be a primary option behind Stephen Curry.
Porzingis' 16.1 points over his 15 games with the Warriors to end last season was actually a career-low, but that's largely due to a minutes restriction. His 18 field-goal attempts per 36 minutes were higher than what is was at the Celtics, though his shot never really came around as he tried to work back into shape.
This is going to be challenge for Porzingis -- scaling back up into a bigger role while remaining efficient. He shot only 43.3% from the floor and 31.1% with Golden State to end the season -- awful percentages for a 7'2" big man.
Kristaps Porzingis should be a 20-point scorer this season
If the Warriors can get Porzingis relatively healthy (and that's a big if), a return to averaging at least 20 points should be the absolute floor. He's too talented a three-level scorer, and Golden State need his offensive production too much, for that not to be the case.
It's not completely asinine to think Porzingis could post similar numbers to his final season in Washington, particularly if his shooting percentages can spike towards the 49.8% from the floor and 38.5% from 3-point range he shot during the 2022-23 season.
Porzingis was a luxury rather than a huge necessity in Boston, and last season was completely derailed by injury/illness. Now, the 31-year-old gets the opportunity to rediscover his best when many have counted him out.
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