Kristaps Porzingis Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Atlantic Notes: Casey, Porzingis, Lowry

May 11th, 2017 at 8:30pm CST by ChrisCrouse

On the surface, Raptors GM Masai Ujiri may have sounded during his season-ending presser like he was considering a coaching change. However, Michael Grange of Sportsnet believes Ujiri’s comments suggest he has faith in head coach Dwane Casey to adjust his coaching style going forward.

“Yes there is commitment [to Casey],” Ujiri said. “But we are all going to question ourselves. We are all going to seriously question ourselves now, and figure out the best way to do it. Because coach Casey has been a phenomenal part of our success here, you know, and in some ways we owe that to him [the opportunity to continue].

“But I’ve told him that we all have to be accountable. I haven’t slept, and I know he hasn’t slept too, because we’re thinking of ways that we can continue to make these things better, and make the right decisions.”

Ujiri added that the team needs to play a different style and that Casey will be given a chance to make the switch.

Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:

Coach Jeff Hornacek firmly believes Kristaps Porzingis will be on the Knicks next season, as Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News tweets. “There’s no doubt in my mind,” Hornacek said of Porzingis’ place on the team. Porzingis’ brother recently said that the big man wants to remain in New York.
The Knicks are at the combine in Chicago with an eye on finding players who fit into their system, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Phil Jackson, who met with several point guard prospects, recently said that the team is “interested in skill players that know how to play together in team form.”
It would not be smart for the Sixers to sign Kyle Lowry, Dennis Chambers of Basketball Insiders opines. Chambers believes adding Lowry wouldn’t put the team in the championship-contender conversation, but it would push them to mediocrity—a place where Philadelphia sat prior to The Process.

Brother: Porzingis Wants To Stay In New York

May 11th, 2017 at 10:21am CST by Luke Adams

Janis Porzingis, the brother of Kristaps Porzingis, reiterated to Ian Begley of ESPN.com that the Knicks big man wants to remain New York, despite the seemingly rocky nature of the relationship between the team and the player as of late. As Begley details, Janis also issued something of a warning to teams that might be interested in trading for his brother.

“Kris wants to stay in New York; he feels at home there. There is no question about it. The only thing he wants is for the Knicks to create an environment where he can develop and grow as a player and win,” Janis Porzingis told Begley. “If he were traded, he would play out his contract and head into free agency, where he can choose his own destiny.”

While family members’ statements on behalf of NBA players should generally be taken with a grain of salt, it’s worth noting that Janis isn’t just Kristaps’ brother — he’s also a certified agent who works for ASM Sports, the home of Kristaps’ agent Andy Miller. As such, Janis’ comments carry some extra weight, and his statement about the Knicks echoes what Kristaps said about the team last month, when he insisted that he loves New York and wants to remain with the Knicks.

As for Janis’ comments about a hypothetical trade, any team interested in Porzingis would have to consider the possibility of him bolting at the end of his contract. But since Porzingis remains on his rookie deal, he’d only be eligible for restricted free agency when it expires in 2019, giving New York – or another team – plenty of leverage to hang onto him. In any case, the Knicks aren’t expected to seriously explore trading Porzingis at this point.

Although the 2016/17 season came to an end for his Knicks nearly a month ago, Porzingis has continued to dominate NBA headlines in recent weeks. After skipping his exit meeting with the organization, Porzingis made plans to spend his summer in his native Latvia. That prompted teams to inquire with the Knicks about Porzingis’ availability, and the 21-year-old created a stir when a Clippers-themed message was posted and deleted to his Twitter account; he later claimed he was hacked.

Atlantic Notes: Goodwin, Porzingis, Olynyk

May 7th, 2017 at 6:28pm CST by Austin Kent

The Nets may have stumbled upon a building block when they inked Archie Goodwin to a two-year deal following a pair of 10-day contracts this season. The feeling is mutual, a Nets Daily report suggests.

“I can grow with this team, grow with the staff and organization,” the 22-year-old recently told the media. Though the combo guard was waived by both the Suns and the Pelicans in 2016/17, he arrived with the Nets as an intriguing source of potential.

After spending one year with Kentucky, Goodwin opted to enter the 2013 draft and was selected toward the end of the first round. In 12 games with the Nets this year, Goodwin’s minutes were limited but he flashed his potential with 18.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per 36 minutes.

“They’re actually going to give me an opportunity and this summer is going to be a big, big summer for me. I’m going to take advantage of it,” Goodwin said of the Nets.

Goodwin’s deal with the Nets has a team option for 2017/18 and becomes partially guaranteed on opening night.

After a cryptic tweet referencing the Clippers was published from his account, Kristaps Porzingis claims that he was hacked. The Knicks big man tweeted his explanation on Sunday.
The Celtics will have to make a tough decision this summer, choosing whether to build their future around the star who has led them to one of their best finishes in years or commit to one of the prized point guards eligible in this year’s draft. Basketball Insiders’ Moke Hamilton breaks down the scenario in his latest feature.
Although he’s been involved in several incidents, the most recent culminating in a Kelly Oubre Jr. suspension after the guard took offense to a hard screen, Kelly Olynyk insists that he’s not a dirty player. A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England discusses the incident that transpired in the Celtics–Wizards series.

Atlantic Notes: Porzingis, Lowry, Saric, Sixers

May 7th, 2017 at 10:03am CST by Arthur Hill

A spokesman for Kristaps Porzingis is blaming hackers for the mysterious tweet that appeared Saturday on his account, according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The message read “LA Clippers” with three smiley faces, prompting speculation that Porzingis has a desire to be traded to Los Angeles. It was deleted a few seconds later. His representative says Porzingis was asleep when the tweet was posted and he believes the account was hacked.

There’s more this morning from the Atlantic Division:

This summer could bring major changes to the Raptors, including the departure of Kyle Lowry and coach Dwane Casey, writes Steve Simmons of The Toronto Sun. The Raptors trail the Cavaliers 3-0 heading into today’s Game 4, and there is speculation that a second-round exit won’t be enough to keep the team together. Lowry is expected to opt out of his $12MM deal and become a free agent after an injury-filled season. He described himself as “probably doubtful” for today’s game with a sprained left ankle, the latest in a list of ailments that also included back problems and wrist surgery. Lowry has three straight All-Star appearances, but he turned 31 in March and the Raptors will have to decide if he’s worth a long-term investment. Casey has a .548 winning percentage in his six years in Toronto, but team president Masai Ujiri may decide the team needs a different presence on its bench.
Rookie of the Year candidate Dario Saric remembers the anxiety he felt on the plane trip from Croatia to Philadelphia, relays Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly. “I was nervous,” he said. “I feel like I am coming in NBA, this is it now. I cannot go back anymore.” The Sixers waited two years for Saric to join the team after acquiring his rights in a 2014 trade with Orlando. He didn’t disappoint, averaging 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 81 games.
The Sixers need more than just another successful draft to become contenders, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Pompey examines the way other teams have been constructed and notes that there is usually a mixture of draft picks, trades and free agency signings. Philadelphia enters the May 16th lottery with the fourth-worst record and about a one in three chance of landing a top three pick. The Sixers will also receive the Lakers’ selection if it falls out of the top three.

Porzingis Has Message For Clippers In Tweet

May 6th, 2017 at 9:44pm CST by Arthur Hill

Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis sent out an unexplained tweet today that he quickly deleted, according to Mark W. Sanchez of The New York Post.

The social media message read simply, “LA Clippers” and was accompanied by three smiling faces.

The Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs last week and are believed to have interest in Porzingis’ teammate, Carmelo Anthony, whom the Knicks would like to trade this summer.

There has been no publicly stated connection between Porzingis and the Clippers, although there was a report that several teams contacted New York’s front office about his availability last month after he skipped an exit meeting as a form of protest. He left for Latvia and announced his intention to play for the national team without consulting anyone from the Knicks.

Still, there’s little reason to believe that Porzingis is being shopped around, especially if New York gets rid of Anthony. The 7’3″ forward/center is still seen as part of the Knicks’ foundation and is under team control on his rookie contract for two more seasons.

Inquiries For Porzingis After Skipped Exit Meeting

May 5th, 2017 at 8:13pm CST by Austin Kent

Multiple teams reached out to the Knicks about possible Kristaps Porzingis trades after it was reported that the Latvian big man skipped his exit meeting with the franchise, Ian Begley of ESPN reports. The 21-year-old has been displeased with New York’s inability to field a winner during his first two years in the league.

Though there’s no indication that any specific deals surfaced as a result of the conversations, the fact that teams could be attempting to establish parameters with the Knicks is a sign of the sophomore’s value around the league and how serious his expression of frustration was interpreted to be.

Through two years with the underachieving club, Porzingis has shown a unique combination of skill and length. This year, the sharp-shooting 7’3″ forward improved upon an impressive rookie season with averages of 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. In Year 3, Porzingis is slotted to make $4.5MM before a fourth and final year with a team option worth $5.7MM.

Begley reports that Porzingis hasn’t been in touch with the franchise since his decision to forego the meeting, quickly leaving for Latvia with plans to play for their national team in the European Championship over the summer.

Per Begley, Porzingis has said on multiple occasions that he would prefer to remain in New York, but sources say that the forward has grown frustrated with the drama and dysfunction surrounding the team.

Knicks Notes: Noah, Porzingis, Kobe, Livingston

April 27th, 2017 at 11:55am CST by ChrisCrouse

Joakim Noah, who signed a four-year, $72MM deal last offseason, underwent rotator cuff surgery on Wednesday, Al Iannazzone of Newsday relays. Noah was suspended by the league for taking a banned substance at the end of this season. He was able to serve eight of his 20 games since he was deemed healthy enough to play toward the end of the 2016/17 campaign. He’ll serve the remaining 12 games of the suspension once he’s recovered from his left shoulder surgery and ruled healthy enough to play. The Knicks didn’t give a timetable for his return, but coach Jeff Hornacek previously said the rehab process should take approximately five months.

Team president Phil Jackson remains hopeful that Noah can return from his injury and live up to his current contract. “We talked a lot about, ‘Can you get yourself back into this condition? Hamstrings, hamstrings, hamstrings,” Jackson said earlier this month. “‘Eventually it ended up being the knee that was creating ultimately other problems. So we hope going forward – he expresses great dedication in getting back to what he was and who he is as a basketball player. So I have to trust him in that.”

Here’s more from the city that never sleeps:

Kristaps Porzingis may be frustrated with the Knicks‘ organization, but that doesn’t extend to assistant coach Joshua Longstaff, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. Longstaff will join Porzingis in Latvia this summer and Bondy hears that the big man wants Longstaff to be an assistant coach for the Latvian National Team. New York previously offered to approve Porzingis’ participation in the European Championships if the Latvian team allowed the assistant to be on its staff.
Can Jackson and Carmelo Anthony coexist in New York after a season of turmoil? Kobe Bryant believes there’s a chance the two parties can, as Marc Berman of the New York Post relays. “Michael [Jordan] had his rough times with him as well. The history is you get through rough times after you win a good amount of championships. We certainly had our rocky times, but we still stuck to it, we figured out our way through it and came out better because of it. I think the most important thing is sticking to it, being patient. Sometimes things work out. Sometimes they don’t,” Bryant said.
Shaun Livingston, who will be a free agent this offseason, is a longtime favorite of Phil Jackson and could be a reasonable target for the Knicks to go after this summer, Keith P. Smith of RealGM writes. Smith argues that Livingston would be a good fit in the triangle offense.

Knicks Sending Assistant To Latvian National Team

April 26th, 2017 at 5:59pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Knicks have worked out a compromise with Kristaps Porzingis regarding his desire to represent Latvia in the European Championships, according to international basketball writer David Pick (Twitter links).

New York’s front office offered to approve Porzingis’ participation provided that assistant coach Joshua Longstaff is permitted to join the national team to work with the second-year big man. Longstaff, who has been with the Knicks since 2014, will remain in Latvia throughout the tournament, which runs from August 31st to September 17th.

Porzingis doesn’t need approval from the Knicks to participate in international play, so the move is largely symbolic. Still it’s a change in philosophy from the organization, which previously advised him to skip the competition. Injuries are the main concern as Porzingis missed 16 games this season with a left Achilles issue and back problems.

The Knicks were originally surprised to learn that Porzingis was planning to be part of Eurobasket. He skipped his exit interview with team president Phil Jackson in a protest over the ongoing chaos surrounding the team and has had little contact with the organization since the season ended.

The Latest On Kristaps Porzingis And The Knicks

April 24th, 2017 at 6:40pm CST by ChrisCrouse

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.”

Kristaps Porzingis Wants To Remain With Knicks

April 19th, 2017 at 8:32pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Kristaps Porzingis blew off an end-of-season meeting with team president Phil Jackson, but that does not mean he wants to be traded, Marc Berman of The New York Post writes.

“Of course,” Porzingis said when asked if he wants to remain a Knick. “I love New York. I love New York.”

The team never received an explanation on why the big man decided to skip his scheduled meeting, a source tells Berman. The scribe hears that Porzingis is upset with how the organization has been run–especially the team’s dealings with his mentor, Carmelo Anthony. The 21-year-old declined to go into why he missed the meeting when asked on Wednesday.

“It’s not the right moment to comment on anything [about it],” he said. “I don’t want to say anything.’’

Last week, Porzingis said that he wants the franchise to have a clear direction. “No one’s comfortable with losing,” Porzingis said. “If it means going in the right direction and doing the right thing, let’s do that. But just having no idea the direction, then it’s not going to work out. The direction has to be clear what we want to do.”

During Jackson’s Good Friday press conference, he said that no one on the team is untouchable, which includes Porzingis. Berman notes that the Knicks will be hard-pressed to find equal value for the big man in a trade, adding the 21-year-old has a chance to become a star.

A source tells Berman that Jackson doesn’t feel good about Porzingis rebelling. “It wasn’t right,” said one individual close to Jackson. “But Phil went through this with Kobe [Bryant] and Andrew [Bynum], when they were still young but started to sprout their opinions and rebelled. It worked for Kobe. Hopefully this will make Kristaps better in the long run.”

Porzingis vows to “live in the gym” this summer, though he’ll spend most of it abroad. He leaves for Latvia on Thursday.