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Saturday, 27.04.2024, 04:53
Porzinigis determined to become Knicks' leader after Anthony's departure
Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis
is determined to become the New York Knicks' leader after Carmelo Anthony's departure, reports LETA.
"I am ready for the challenge, and I've been preparing myself for this
moment," Porzingis said in an interview with The New York Daily News after
returning to New York from the European Basketball Championship.
The Knicks have agreed to send Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Enses Kanter, Doug McDermott and the
Chicago Bulls' 2018 second-round pick.
The Knicks training camp began yesterday. After the end of last season,
Steve Mills replaced Phil Jackson as the Knicks president, and Scott Perry is
the club's new general manager.
After Porzingis skipped his exit meeting at the end of last season, there
were all kinds of speculation, including that the Latvian could be traded to
another NBA club. Reportedly, Porzingis also had issues with the Knicks head
coach Jeff Hornacek, but the Latvian preferred not to talk about it.
"Honestly, I would love for this year to be a new start," Porzingis
said. "All I'm looking for is a fresh start and not to talk about that
anymore." Porzingis went on to describe his relationship with Hornacek as
"great".
Porzingis, who spent almost the entire summer in Latvia working out on his
own, said: "It was important that I disconnected from everything. I was
working on my game and resting my mind. I kept working hard this summer to put
myself in this position. I'm coming in with a fresh mind. I don't want to carry
anything from the previous season."
Comment on a scuffle with the former Knick Anthony Randolph during Latvia's semifinal match against Slovenia
in EuroBasket, Porzingis said, "It's not worth talking about that guy. In
every situation, I'm going to stand up for myself."
When asked about the Knicks' decision not to renew the contract of
Porzingis' favorite coach, Josh
Longstaff, Porzingis said he did not understand this, but "I don't try
to analyze that situation. I don't want to take it personal. I wish Josh the
best. Maybe we can work together in the future." Porzingis added that he
did not know the reason behind letting Longstaff go, "but I'm thankful for
Josh. He put a lot into it. He's a great professional."
Porzingis also said that, soon after Phil
Jackson was let go, he texted Jackson to thank him for drafting Porzingis
and being there for him as he grew as a player.
Likewise, Carmelo Anthony's presence was also very important for Porzingis
for the past two years. "“Carmelo was a mentor to me," Porzingis
said. "He was a big brother from day one. I texted him to tell him I
appreciated that I was able to learn from him. Having him around was important
for me. I respect him a lot."
"I felt great at the Euro Championships," Porzingis also said.
"I took a little time off, but I feel like I'm in the best shape of my
life. As soon as we get together in training camp, we'll see what we're capable
of doing. We have a young team, but if we can come together we can do some
things."