Kristaps Porzingis wants to remain in New York, but he places winning above location on his list of preferences, as Marc Berman of The New York Post writes. “Absolutely, I want to stay here all my career,’’ Porzingis said. “But the thing I want most of all is winning. When the time comes, I will seriously start to think about it. Right now I just try to do my best.”
The big man was asked if he would consider another franchise when he is eligible for free agency if that organization gave him a better chance to win. He responded by saying it was a possibility, as ESPN.com relays. The 21-year-old has two years remaining on his rookie contract.
Porzingis is currently in Latvia and he’ll remain there for most of the summer. He spent time there last season as well and Mubarak Malik, who is the Knicks’ director of performance, visited the big man to provide him with a training program. Other members of the organization also spent time with Porzingis abroad last summer, but it’s unclear if the team will take the same approach this year, as Ian Begley of ESPN.com reports (ESPN Now link).
The Knicks haven’t spoken to Porzingis since he blew off his exit meeting with Phil Jackson. The big man reportedly was upset with the organizational chaos and that was the reason he stood Jackson up.
Porzingis announced today that he will play for his the Latvian national team in the European championships, something the Knicks had previously recommended him not to do. It appears that he didn’t inform the NBA club of his plans prior to making the announcement. “Kristaps is in a position to decide for himself on playing for the national side,” his brother Janis Porzingis said. By rule, NBA teams are not allowed to dictate participation in international events, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. However, many franchises have conversations with its players and make its position known.
One of New York’s concerns with Porzingis playing for his country’s team is the risk of injury. Porzingis’ camp did attempt to alleviate the organization’s concern. “In terms of insurance, we have agreed with the Latvian Basketball Association for the covering of the required amount,” Janis Porzingis said. “I cannot disclose the amount.”
The former No. 4 overall pick promises to report to the Knicks training camp in September, but until then, his focus is on his national team. “My third season is still far away,” He said. “The main thing is to put in a lot of work during the summer to be ready, first for national team, then for next season. The European championships ends before the official NBA camp starts, so I have enough time to turn back to New York. I’ll be there on time.”