Recent reports suggesting Kristaps Porzingis was against the New York Knicks signing Kevin Durant have been refuted by the Latvian player, who now finds himself thriving in a new role with the Boston Celtics.

Since joining the Celtics in the summer, Porzingis has embraced a different playing style, focusing on playing without the ball.

Despite being considered a step below Jayson Tatum on the star-power depth chart, Porzingis expresses contentment in his current role, emphasizing the importance of playing with talented teammates to achieve success in today’s guard-dominated NBA.

Dismissing the narrative that he sought to be the face of a franchise, Porzingis stated, “It was never an issue for me.

I think it was never an issue for me, it was always this narrative that was out there.”

In Monday’s game against his former team, the Knicks, Porzingis scored an efficient 21 points, contributing significantly to the Celtics’ 114-98 victory.

Reflecting on the Knicks’ defensive scheme, he highlighted his ability to exploit the drop coverage and find the best shot opportunities.

Porzingis, who could have entered free agency, chose to sign a two-year, $60 million extension with the Celtics.

Despite the Knicks having an opportunity for a reunion, the Latvian player revealed he never heard from them.

The Celtics’ victory over the Knicks also had ties to head coach Tom Thibodeau’s past, as he was the captain of the Salem State Vikings in the early 1980s. Thibodeau, now the Knicks’ head coach, expressed his fondness for Boston, acknowledging the presence of his former teammates at Monday night’s matchup.

While Thibodeau’s former college teammates attended the game, their loyalty to the Celtics exceeded their friendship with the Knicks coach.

Thibodeau, who had a brief stint as a Celtics assistant in the late 2000s, reflected on his time at Salem State and expressed condolences for the recent tragic shooting of a Salem State basketball player.