For many NBA fans, Kristaps Porzingis seemingly came out of nowhere this season. The 7-foot-3 Latvian has made a huge impact in his first NBA season, winning over stingy Knicks fans, becoming a financial boon to the league and inspiring not one but two Latvian rap songs.
Kevin Durant would like you to be aware that he knew this was going to happen all along.
“When they made the pick, I texted [Knicks head coach Derek Fisher] immediately and said ‘I like this kid, he can play.’ A lot of people were down on him, but he can play. He’s a skilled guy and I think we’ve gotten away from enjoying skilled players in this league. We get so many players that are athletic and big and strong, but he’s a skilled player.”
Durant gets his chance to see what Porzingis can do up close and personal on Tuesday when the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. It’s the second game between the two teams this year but Durant sat out the first meeting with a strained hamstring.
Durant seems downright excited about the opportunity to go against the rookie, even dubbing him the rarest of rare talents in a league full of talent.
“He can shoot, he can make the right plays, he can defend, he’s a 7-footer that can shoot all the way out to the 3-point line,” Durant said. “That’s rare. And block shots — that’s like a unicorn in this league.”
High praise from one unicorn to another.
[ESPN]
