New York Knicks stud Kristaps Porzingis is talking like a dude who’s soon eyeing a return to the NBA basketball court.
Kristaps Porzingis’s first public comments since training camp has a group of very special people—New York Knicks fans—excited about a grand return to the NBA hardwood.
On Tuesday, KP revealed a few interesting words to GQ, via Marc Berman of the New York Post.
“Now that it’s getting closer, I can taste it,” the 7-foot-3 Latvian told GQ in his first public comments since the opening of Knicks training camp on Sept. 24. “I’m trying to stay patient. The day will come.”
He can taste it, huh?
Porzingis, 23, has been sidelined since tearing his ACL last Feb. 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a season-defining blow to a franchise struggling to accumulate a legit star and build around him.
Speculation surrounding his possible return ranged from positive to completely outrageous. Some believe he’ll be back by the new year while others think the Knicks may hold him out the entire season.
The way Porzingis is talking, it seems as though his return may come sooner rather than later.
“Sometimes I have workouts where the knee doesn’t feel as good,” he said. “Mentally, that’s the most difficult part, because you want to keep going and you want to do more, but there’s something holding you back, because you shouldn’t push it too much. I’m always trying to be smart and patient with it, but at some point, you get anxious and antsy.”
“It’s good that it’s coming to an end, but in many ways, it’s been a blessing in disguise,” Porzingis said. “I’ve learned so much about my body and myself. My vision is much clearer on many, many things.”
“Coming to an end?” What’s coming to an end? Your rehab process?
If Porzingis thinks a month to go is nearing an end, that may make sense considering this has lasted nearly a full calendar year. If his definition of coming to an end includes a few months, that’d be a disappointment.
The Knicks without their young cornerstone piece are currently 4-10, losers of two straight. Despite losing 10 of its first 14 games, New York has showcased the right kind of poor play. New head coach David Fizdale and the young pieces have kept the future looking quite promising.
Hopefully, young Kristaps Porzingis will be back in the New York Knicks lineup soon.
