On Tuesday, October 3, the Celtics will start training camp in preparation for the 2023–24 season. Kristaps Porzingis and Malcolm Brogdon are anticipated to be injury-free for the start of training camp, according to Celtics general manager Brad Stevens
In a historic three-team transaction in June 2023, Boston acquired Porzingis. The former Washington Wizards standout missed the FIBA World Cup due to a foot ailment he sustained in August.
After the original deal that would have sent Brogdon to the Los Angeles Clippers fell through, the Celtics dealt Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in order to acquire Porzingis. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, Brogdon suffered an elbow injury.
It was recently reported that Brogdon might not be satisfied with the Celtics this offseason.
However, as Gary Washington of the Boston Globe noted, Stevens confirmed these allegations and declared that Brogdon is intending to remain with the Celtics and “is looking forward to getting started.”
Key Celtics players are anticipated to be healthy for training camp, according to Kristaps Entering His First Season With the Celtics is Porzingis
In his recent past, Porzingis had one of his best years professionally. The 28-year-old played in 65 games for the Wizards last season, averaging 23.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 1.5 BPG. Porzingis also had a field goal percentage of 49.8% and a three-point percentage of 38.5%.
To lessen the offensive burden on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics acquired Porzingis. Porzingis has the ability to play on the outside. However, the Celtics were probably most interested in his success in the post.
In addition, as a big man next to Robert Williams III and Al Horford, Porzingis brings star power. Porzingis’ 2.7 defensive win shares from last season were the highest since his rookie year, despite the fact that he may not be as tenacious a defender as the other two.
Although he hasn’t played in a Celtics uniform yet, there are many reasons to be eager to see the Latvian star in Boston before training camp.
In a 2022 deal with the Indiana Pacers, Boston acquired Brogdon. The guard excelled in his debut season in Boston. The current Sixth Man of the Year had a 14.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 3.7 APG average on 44.4 3pt%.
In 19 games throughout the postseason, Brogdon averaged 11.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 3.7 APG. However, his 3 point percentage dropped as he shot 37.9%.
After suffering an injury during the Eastern Conference Finals of the previous season, Brogdon’s playing time was constrained, and he sat out Game 6.
It is possible for Brogdon to rejoin the Celtics and begin training camp healthy because he has the entire offseason to rehabilitate.
Going into training camp in 2024, the Celtics are among the favorites in the league to capture their 18th championship in NBA history. Additionally, the health of Brogdon and Porzingis is essential to this team’s success.
The Celtics just missed appearing in back-to-back NBA Finals last season. There is a sense of urgency for the Celtics to overcome this as a result.
On Wednesday, October 25, the Celtics’ regular season begins on the road against the New York Knicks.
