Kristaps Porzingis to miss World Cup due to foot issue?

Brad has spoken highly of Kristaps publicly. What did you hear from him that convinced you this would be the right direction? Wyc Grousbeck: He is a committed and now seasoned and effective player. He’s a real force. I’m really impressed with his commitment to being part of a winning Celtics team. I met with him when he came up for the press conference and spent some real time with him, and he’s so happy to be here. He’s so ready to shine at this stage of his career. But he sees a team concept, not the KP show. He’s continually improved over his career, and he thinks this is his prime. But he’s about the team, his teammates and the banner. He chose us. There were other people, I hear, that wanted him. And he chose us. He wants to be here and he wants to win a ring. -via Boston Globe / August 7, 2023

What was that conversation like with Brad and Joe when you realized you needed changes rather than believing you could try again with the same group? Wyc Grousbeck: The general tone was, how do we take this energy we’re feeling right now that was built up over having two good seasons, but then didn’t get all the way? The whole point is, how do we get to banner 18? If we’d all agreed we should keep things the same that would have been fine. But the idea of bringing in another talented big popped up early in the conversation, and we ended up executing on that idea. -via Boston Globe / August 7, 2023

Bobby Manning: Maybe the most interesting comment of the entire presser: Brown said Porzingis is a major addition defensively, and that the #Celtics “have to hang their hats” on defense this year. -via Twitter @RealBobManning / July 26, 2023