Kristaps Porziņģis

Are the highs worth the lows? That's the question regarding Porzingis and his value. When he's healthy, the numbers are fantastic. Almost two blocks per game. Over 20 points per contest while shooting roughly 50 percent from the field. Almost two three-pointers per game. An enticing 85 percent from the charity stripe. Porzingis proved during last year's championship season that he is still The Unicorn. But he also made only 57 appearances and missed a dozen playoff games. The foot injuries he suffered during the NBA Finals forced surgery in late June. Porzingis is not expected back until early December, at best. A game count in the low 40's seems realistic for 2024-25. With sights set on back-to-back championships, Boston will be as gentle as possible with the Latvian and not force him to play too early. The Celtics bring back 38-year-old big man Al Horford to start while Porzingis is out. That means reserves Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman and even Neemias Queta should receive big minutes early in the season. In the meantime, Porzingis can heal and focus on improving on the career-best 51.6 percent the center shot from the field last season. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White on the roster, the Unicorn can take his sweet time healing and ease into things as the third or fourth scoring option when healthy. But will he stay healthy after his return? That's the big question.