The Knicks selected Kristaps Porzingis from Latvia with the No. 4 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Though he played overseas, Porzingis is very acclimated with American and hip-hop culture.
Porzingis sat and talked with Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report and gave some inside information on himself.
On Adjusting to American Culture
The adjustment has been easier because I had American teammates in Spain, and I listened to hip-hop my whole life. I listen to a lot of Drake and Meek Mill before games. So I pretty much know the culture, and my English is pretty good. But handshakes are different. It’s the hug and then back with your hand. It’s pretty cool.
On Some of His NBA Favorites
I watched a lot of KG’s videos growing up with Janis. We watched how KG made his moves in the post and a lot of his dunks. KG’s a beast. He’s somebody I looked up to.
We also watched a lot of Anthony Davis and Dirk Nowitzki. Anthony is a freak athlete, and I just love watching him dunking the ball and running the floor. I love how he attacks and does his moves. He’s really aggressive, and I like that. And Dirk, it’s just how he gets that little space and gets his shot off with his one-legged fadeaway. It’s unguardable, and it’s something I want to learn.
Porzingis on His New York Reception and Being a Knick
I knew there were going to be boos if the Knicks drafted me. That’s how New York fans are. I know if I play hard and show that I want to be a Knick, I know the fans will accept me. I really wanted to get drafted by the Knicks, and it was a dream come true. I wasn’t even hearing the boos that night. I was just having a special moment with my family, hugging them.
Carmelo Anthony reached out to me after I got drafted. He said, “Congrats, welcome to the team.” I didn’t have his number, so I texted back, “Who’s this?” And then a few minutes later, he said, “This is Melo” with his No. 7 as the “l.” I met him actually when I came for my Knicks tryout for the first time. We’ve talked a couple of times since then.
