New York Knicks phenom Kristaps Porzingis visits the NBA players union headquarters in New York before going back to Latvia.
New York Knicks phenom Kristaps Porzingis visited the NBA Players Union headquarters in New York on Wednesday. Headquarters is open to union employees, current, and former players.The unicorn wants to play in the European Championships this summer, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News.
“I would like to help the team get to the second round and have a great campaign,” the Knicks phenom told FIBA.com “We have good potential and we can have a very competitive national team. Basketball has been growing a lot in my country, and I enjoy witnessing it. Some guys are having great seasons, and we have some great veterans that can still have a great impact on the national team.”
The Knicks phenom is heading back to Latvia after skipping the exit meeting with the Knicks. Even though he became frustrated with the direction that the Knicks were going, the Latvian told Marc Berman of The New York Post that he wants to stay in New York.
When asked about the young star becoming the face of the franchise the Zen master said he doesn’t think that he’s ready.
“No, I don’t [think he’s ready]. He’s 21 years old. That’s a big load for anybody to take on,” the Zen master said. “But he’s shown that he’s competitive. He’s shown that he’s competitive. He’s shown that he’s got a sense of desire to win, etc. So we’re really pleased with how he’s developed. I think he had some concern this year about physicality, not being able to stand up to all the games physically with his Achilles tendon, back, etc.”
Porzingis averaged 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds and two blocks this season. The Knicks finished the season with a 31-51 record and didn’t make the playoffs.