Kristaps Porzingis has taken the league by storm in his rookie year, proving his many critics wrong and helping Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks become serious playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference. His versatility and size allow the Knicks to spread the floor more than they’ve been able to in recent years, which is certainly what team president Phil Jackson had in mind when he controversially drafted the Latvia native with the 4th pick in last year’s draft.
Kevin Durant was asked about Porzingis’ early come-up ahead of the Thunder’s match-up with New York at MSG tonight, and he had some pretty interesting comments about the enthralling rookie.
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. That’s rare. And block shots — that’s like a unicorn in this league.
Unicorn, KD? Hey, to each his own (diction). Regardless, it’s clear the Oklahoma City vet was complimenting Porzingis, but when they step on the court expect it to be all business. It should be noted that Durant is a bit of a unicorn himself: a 6’11”, forward with a guard’s agility and range like Stephen Curry. Takes one to know one, right?
The Thunder square off against the Knicks tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET.
