NEW YORK — No selection in the 2015 NBA Draft will draw as much scrutiny as the Knicks’ selection of their new prized possession, Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian product welcomes the attention.
Just 48 hours before New York made him the fourth overall pick, the 19-year-old Porzingis boldly declared he had his heart set on making his time in midtown Manhattan this week more than a sojourn. Porzingis spoke glowingly about the idea of a possible marriage with an outfit coming off a franchise-worst 17-65 season.
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On draft night, New York stayed at No. 4 instead of trading down, and it made Porzingis' "dream" come true.
“I wanted to see myself in this situation, I’ve been visualizing it. Now it’s here, and I can’t wait to be a part of this organization,” Porzingis said Thursday.
The Knicks fans at Barclays Center in Brooklyn weren't so accepting. They greeted the 19-year-old with boos as he made his way from the green room to the stage.
“A lot of fans weren’t happy that they drafted me, but I have to do everything that’s in my hands to turn those booing fans into clapping fans. There’s nothing I can do," he said. "I want to be a part of this organization. I know the fans are a little harsh sometimes, but that’s how it is here in New York, and I’m ready for it.”
The drafting of Porzingis is a formative moment in Knicks president Phil Jackson's reign, the first meaningful opportunity for the idiosyncratic Hall of Famer to build upon a minimal talent base. He went with a lanky (6-11, 220), versatile youngster whose ability to draw bigs out to the perimeter is considered one of his chief assets. Whether he can merge that ability with the core functions of Jackson’s triangle offense will be an early checkpoint in his development.
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Porzingis said he at least knows the triangle's basics.
“But I think for me, it won’t be a problem to adjust to that offense," he said. "I think it’s a very good offense. You just move a lot, and there’s always spacing, so I’m looking forward learning that.”
To thrive at Madison Square Garden, Porzingis not only has to overcome the hefty burdens of being a top five pick and break away from the stigma that follows foreign prospects, but also embrace his role as Carmelo Anthony’s understudy.
It appears he has the confidence to take on the challenge.
“I think so. I think I have enough talent to be that special player, and help the franchise get better results. I want to be that guy, and I want to be a part of this special organization. I’m looking forward to it.
“I think Carmelo’s a great player. He makes players around him better. Whatever the team, whatever Carmelo wants me to do (on the court), I will do just to prove that I’m worthy enough to be out on the court with him. Starting with the dirty jobs . . . just getting rebounds, getting shots, getting blocks and just running the floor. We will have time to practice with each other, and hopefully I can be able to fit in with Carmelo.”
The Knicks’ next hurdle will be surrounding Anthony and Porzingis with the shell of a competitive roster. For now, fans can savor a player who brings verve to a listless organization.
Angus Crawford is an editor for NBA Australia, which is run by Perform Group and a partner of Sporting News.