Kristaps Porzingis may have made his final appearance for the Boston Celtics on Friday night. He played just 11 minutes in the blowout Game 6 loss to the New York Knicks, and, much like the rest of the postseason, did not look like the player Celtics fans have watched for two seasons.
Whatever [mystery illness](https://hardwoodhoudini.com/boston-celtics-kristaps-porzingis-joe-mazzulla-finally-admits-know-whats-wrong-illness-new-york-knicks-nba-playoffs) Porzingis has been dealing with for the better part of three months has clearly taken a toll on him.
“Doctors are trying to help as much as possible, but it was just some lingering fatigue," he explained following the season-ending loss. "Even right now, I played 11 minutes, but I’m gassed."
He was barely able to be on the court during this playoff run, and when he was, he wasn't able to impact the game much at all. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. New York, he only averaged 4.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on 24.0% from the field and 22.2% from deep.
“I think my system is not perfect right now," Porzingis added. "It’s not working the way it should be. Many weird things. The best thing I might need right now is to rest, get some sun, and let my system even itself out. It’s definitely a very frustrating time for me.”
The big man isn't sure if there are long-term concerns that accompany the sickness, but he tries to downplay it in his own mind. With how much this has affected him, Boston's season coming to an early close may be beneficial for KP's recovery. He'll be able to get an ample amount of rest and recovery time before suiting up for his home nation of Latvia in the Eurobasket tournament in August.
**Porzingis' Celtics tenure should not be defined by this playoff run**
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Again, Porzingis' future in Boston is uncertain at this point. The team will almost certainly be looking to cut costs this summer and his $30 million salary for next season could be moved to help avoid the CBA's second apron penalties.
If this series was his last act as a Celtic, it shouldn't be all he is remembered for.
"KP's been a large part of our success," praised Jaylen Brown. "Our recent success...In the playoffs, he wasn't feeling his best, but we appreciate him getting out there. KP is a tough guy. He has a great mentality."
Porzingis certainly is tough. Though that characteristic comes into question quite often, he's proven time and time again that he wants to leave it all on the floor. The big man played through a torn medial retinaculum and dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon last June in the NBA Finals and helped the team raise an elusive 18th banner.
The injury required offseason surgery, which Porzingis battled his way back from and managed to make his return a month sooner than the anticipated date.
Even in recent months, he's had to get multiple sets of stitches and returned to each of the games in which he was busted open.
He's battled through several injuries during his time in Boston and beyond, and always manages to get back out there.
You can be injury prone and also be tough.
He's also extremely impactful when he's able to be on the floor. In two seasons with the Celtics, Porzingis appeared in 99 regular-season games. He averaged 19.8 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.
The 29-year-old served as a strong scoring option out of the post but could also drill some laser threes.
Was his inability to contribute in this playoff run dissappointing? Yes. But, it shouldn't be how Celtics fans remember him if this is the end.
It just wouldn't be fair.
Maybe remember him for Game 1 of the Finals instead.