WASHINGTON — After spending eight years with the Thunder, Brian Keefe joined the Knicks as an assistant coach for the 2014-15 season. Following the 2015 draft, he was tasked with mentoring New York’s promising rookie center, who had been relatively unknown to casual fans despite being the fourth overall pick.
Now serving as the interim head coach for the Wizards, Keefe has not been surprised by the impressive development of Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis since their time together. Reflecting on Porzingis’s growth, Keefe expressed his satisfaction with the strides the player has made.
“It’s truly amazing to see the progress he’s made,” Keefe remarked. “When we first got him, we saw his potential as a versatile player who could excel both inside and outside. I’m thrilled to see that vision coming to fruition this year.”
Porzingis’s impact on the Celtics has been significant, with his offensive prowess allowing the team to adapt their playing style. Keefe acknowledged the importance of Porzingis’s ability to capitalize on defensive switches, a skill that has become a cornerstone of the team’s strategy.
Despite Porzingis’s recent absence due to hamstring soreness, the Celtics remain optimistic about his recovery. Keefe indicated that Porzingis’s ongoing progress could potentially see him back on the court for the next game against the Pistons.
Moreover, as the Celtics navigate various injuries, emerging talents like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White sat out games, providing opportunities for players like Sam Hauser and Oshae Brissett to showcase their skills. Former Celtic Justin Champagnie also received playing time with the Wizards, contributing positively in their recent matchup against the Bulls.
Looking ahead, the Celtics find themselves in uncharted territory as an Eastern Conference powerhouse with a significant lead over their competitors. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of continual improvement and learning from each game, despite their comfortable position in the standings.
As Boston seeks to maintain their dominance and prepare for the postseason, Mazzulla stressed the significance of upholding their standards, adapting to different challenges, and integrating valuable lessons learned along the way.
