Kristaps Porzingis Says Atlanta Hawks Could Be A Better Fit For Him Than Boston Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis isn’t shying away from expectations in Atlanta, but he’s also welcoming a fresh start without the relentless championship-or-bust expectations he faced in Boston. In a recent interview, the veteran big man opened up about his new role with the Hawks, suggesting that the fit may actually be better than his previous stop with the reigning NBA champions.

“Maybe even better than Boston, where it was championship or bust,” said Porzingis, via Sports Studija and Basketball Sphere.

Porzingis was a critical piece of the Celtics’ 2024-25 title run, but his stint was also marked by injuries and constant scrutiny. In contrast, Atlanta is far from a title favorite, giving Porzingis more freedom to contribute without the weight of daily championship pressure.

“I think expectations are high. Atlanta’s been on the edge of the playoffs the last few years, sometimes getting through the first round,” he said.

This summer, Kristaps Porzingis was one of the many big-name players to swap jerseys, and it’s something that could have a ripple effect not just on his own career, but the Eastern Conference as a whole.

In Boston, Porzingis had to blend into a team stacked with stars— Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and even veteran point guard Jrue Holiday. With averages of 19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 48.0% shooting, Porzingis was a key rotation player for the Celtics, and his perimeter scoring and floor spacing were essential ingredients in Boston’s 2024 championship run.

But after just two seasons in Boston, injuries to their core reset their timeline, and Porzingis was the odd man out. While some feel only betrayal, Porzingis has embraced his situation and is now facing brand new opportunities.

In Atlanta, he’ll have more responsibility and potentially more touches as a frontcourt anchor alongside Trae Young. That added responsibility, without the win-or-else stakes, may allow Porzingis to flourish in ways he couldn’t before.

Fortunately, KP’s arrival comes at the perfect time. The Hawks need a defensive presence and a stretch big, and “KP” offers both when healthy. With career averages of 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, he could become a core piece in reshaping Atlanta’s identity, especially with Dejounte Murray gone and a new era beginning.

If nothing else, Atlanta offers Porzingis the one thing Boston never could: room to breathe. In a slightly lower-pressure environment, he can take on a leadership role, stay healthy, and help push a talented but inconsistent Hawks team into real playoff relevance.

Off the court, Porzingis also brings a level of maturity and professionalism that Atlanta’s young roster can benefit from. With over a decade of NBA experience, including deep playoff runs and international competition, he’s uniquely equipped to guide players like Jalen Johnson, Kobe Bufkin, and Onyeka Okongwu as they continue developing. In that sense, Porzingis offers a culture shift that could quietly elevate the Hawks into one of the East’s most intriguing teams.

While he may not be in the title spotlight anymore, Kristaps seems content trading rings for rhythm and reminding us that for some stars, the best situation isn’t always the most prestigious one.