New Hawks Star Thinks He's In Better Situation Than Boston

While speaking with reporters recently, Kristaps Porzingis said that his situation with the Atlanta Hawks may be even better for him than the one he had with the Boston Celtics. 

Now entering his 10th NBA season, Kristaps Porzingis was dealt to Atlanta by the Celtics this offseason. He certainly enjoyed his two years in Boston. The Celtics won the NBA title his first season and were the best team in the East this season until they were dispatched by the New York Knicks in the playoff's second round. 

After Jayson Tatum injured his Achilles in the Knicks series, the Celtics decided to reload and traded Porzingis to the Hawks. When asked about what he is excited about in Atlanta, the Latvian star answered:

"I think expectations are high. Atlanta's been on the edge of the playoffs the last few years, sometimes getting through the first round. It's a great situation for me to come in and contribute. Maybe even better than Boston, where it was championship or bust."

Luckily for Porzingis and the Hawks, the NBA's Eastern Conference looks wide open this year. The Celtics look to be down without Tatum and the Indiana Pacers will be without injured star Tyrese Haliburton and long-time center Myles Turner, who left for the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks remain strong and the Magic added Desmond Bane, but the Hawks should certainly compete for a top four seed in the conference. 

A healthy Porzingis would really help them do so. The Latvian's range will help to open up the court for Trae Young and could allow Atlanta to have a high-octane offense.