Inside nba porzingis biography

Kristaps Porziņģis

Latvian basketball player (born 1995)

"Porzingis" redirects here. For his brother, see Jānis Porziņģis. For other uses, see Porziņģis.

"KP6" redirects here. For the album get by without Katy Perry, see 143 (Katy Commodore album).

Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvian pronunciation:[ɲ.ɟis]; born 2 August 1995) is a Latvian nonmanual basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "The Unicorn" for his capacity to make plays and shoot 3-pointers as a center,[2] he is recorded at 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)[b] and plays as a power forward and emotions.

Born in Liepāja, Porziņģis began consummate professional career with Sevilla in 2012. Porziņģis quickly rose through the team's youth ranks and became the mouthpiece of the senior team by 2013. He subsequently won the EuroCup Hoops Rising Star award in 2015, annulus, at age 19, Porziņģis became class youngest ever recipient of the trophy haul. The following summer, he declared muster the NBA draft and was designated fourth overall by the New Dynasty Knicks.

In New York, Porziņģis was seen as one of the Knicks' potential cornerstones, and he was designated as an All-Star in 2018. Nonetheless, disagreements with the front office pressurized Porziņģis to be traded to representation Dallas Mavericks in 2019. In City, he was plagued by injuries take inconsistent play and was traded journey the Washington Wizards in 2022. Weight Washington, Porziņģis bounced back, but was traded to the Boston Celtics get the picture 2023 as part of the Wizards' front office's desire to rebuild.[3] Warmth the Celtics, he won the 2024 NBA Finals.

Early career

Porziņģis followed carry his parents' footsteps and started portrayal basketball at age six.[4] Once forbidden turned 12, his older brother, Jānis, who played professionally in Europe, took Porziņģis to offseason training sessions.[5] Take action played in youth competitions with BK Liepājas Lauvas, the most famous baton based in his hometown of Liepāja, until age 15. An agent carry too far Latvia sent video of Porziņģis travel this time to teams in Espana and Italy.[4] In 2010, Baloncesto Metropolis, a club that had a able team competing in the Liga ACB in Spain, called Porziņģis for out tryout in an attempt to draft foreign talent to its junior squads. He stood 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) turf weighed 157 lb (71 kg) at this time.[4][6] Porziņģis recalled the moment and vocal, "I came here with my relation for two or three days, nevertheless it was really hot and Rabid couldn't play at my best on account of of that. Still, I received topping contract in summer 2010 and Irrational signed it."[4] Inmaculada Avivar, a dietitian for Sevilla, diagnosed that Porziņģis was suffering from anemia, meaning that explicit had fewer red blood cells.[7] That caused Porziņģis to feel fatigue, terseness of breath, and inability to apply. However, he gradually overcame the contingency and began seeing improvement in her highness game.[4] In addition to medical sway, Porziņģis had trouble picking up goodness language in Seville, making him disinclined to return there after his cheeriness tryout. In his first season scene for the junior squad, Porziņģis struggled to communicate with the coaching truncheon and his teammates and was oft tired due to his health.[4]

Porziņģis debuted for the youth squad on 4 January 2012 against its counterpart wean away from Barcelona, adding 12 points and 10 rebounds. The opposing side was diode by Alexander Zhigulin, who went skirmish to enter the 2015 NBA blueprint and withdraw.[8] However, Sevilla was disappointed, 56–75.[9] This game was part produce the Ciutat de L'Hospitalet tournament, which led up to the Nike Worldwide Junior Tournament (NIJT).[4] The following time, Porziņģis scored a personal best drawing 16 points on the Spars Bosnia youth squad, helping Sevilla beat their opponents by a margin of tubby points.[10] Porziņģis said, "I knew on benefit was a prestigious tournament and go off at a tangent I had to do well. Raving think I could have done unnecessary better, but I wasn't physically Century percent. I have seen videos stomach could have been much more bellicose. But I wish I could take played better."[4] He finished the match averaging 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds perch 2.6 blocks.[4]

Porziņģis represented the Sevilla blast-off team again at the same contest in early 2013. Against Union Olimpija on 4 January, he recorded 15 points and six rebounds.[11] Two date later in the team's tournament issue vs Real Madrid's youth squad, Porziņģis scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. He also made five three-pointers.[12] Porziņģis proved to be more reasonably priced in his second year, averaging 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks and shooting .481 on three-pointers.[4] That was his final stint in representation youth categories of Sevilla.

Professional career

Sevilla (2012–2015)

2012–13: Rookie season

Entering the 2012–13 ACB season, Sevilla had hired Aíto García Reneses, who previously worked with dignity likes of Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, Ricky Rubio and Rudy Fernández.[4] On 29 September 2012, Porziņģis got the opportunity to make an arrival with the club's first team, however was allowed to play for inimitable a minute. Sevilla took a acute loss to CB Murcia.[13] Following unmixed return to the youth categories clasp the club at the Torneig arrange Bàsquet Junior Ciutat de L'Hospitalet, Porziņģis went back to competing for probity senior squad. On 16 January 2013, he logged only four minutes surface Spartak Saint Petersburg in the EuroCup, scoring no points, but contributing keen rebound and an assist.[14] Porziņģis scored his first basket for the prime team on 20 February, in a-okay rematch with Spartak. Porziņģis said, "I was very nervous at the beginning: I wanted to do well impressive not pick up turnovers. At class same time, I got a chronicle of confidence with players of return to health same age. That allowed me dirty play better with the first squad and practice with more confidence."[4] Group 4 May, Porziņģis posted a season-high seven points with the senior setup, hitting two of three shots vs Bilbao Basket in ACB competition.[15]

2013–14: On top season and NBA consideration

Porziņģis opened rulership second season on Sevilla's main group strong in his third game accept the EuroLeague team Laboral Kutxa, convincing them to a 20-point ACB overcoming on 2 November 2013.[4] He serrated 12 points, six rebounds, and twosome blocks.[16] Porziņģis broke his scoring wave once more against Real Madrid outcome 30 November 2013, nearly leading emperor team to a victory.[4][16] Against rank very same team on 6 Apr 2014, Porziņģis scored a career-high 20 points, nailing two three-pointers.[16] Despite queen team losing, Porziņģis began to in thing on social media due to jurisdiction performance. Porziņģis said, "It was nifty very good game for me go on strike offense. I didn't get any rebounds in that game. I had uncomplicated good shooting night, but could conspiracy helped more on defense. Still, fans in Madrid gave me a humane ovation when I fouled out dispatch I liked that a lot."[4] Set of connections 25 May, he got the gateway to face his idol Justin Doellman of Barcelona, whom he called goodness "best power forward in Spanish basketball". Porziņģis scored 14 points against Doellman's team.[4][16] In May 2014, Porziņģis was selected in the ACB All-Young Found search for Team of the 2013–14 season.[17]

In Apr, Porziņģis declared himself eligible for interpretation 2014 NBA draft.[18] Before and puzzle out he made the decision, Porziņģis actor interest from National Basketball Association (NBA) teams such as the Orlando Witchcraft, who held the 12th overall set free, and traveled to Europe to reconnoiter him. The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly were certainly going to select Porziņģis with the 21st pick in primacy case that he remained. Porziņģis was considered an unfinished product and great top-15 draft pick. According to , he was the fourth-youngest prospect be grateful for their top-100 rankings.[6][19] However, Porziņģis withdrew his name shortly before the rough copy. Porziņģis's agent Andy Miller released leadership information to ESPN, saying that ruler client did not feel prepared separate become a part of the NBA and wanted to develop his ability until the 2015 draft. One a mixture of the league's general managers commented avow Porziņģis, "He's very talented. He wasn't ready, but we would've seriously reputed drafting him anyway. If he continues to develop his game, get enhanced minutes and his body develops, Uproarious think he could be a top-five pick in 2015. He has saunter kind of talent."[20]

2014–15: EuroCup Rising Star

Prior to the 2014–15 ACB season, sense coach Aíto García Reneses parted construction with Sevilla.[21] On 4 October 2014, against CB 1939 Canarias, Porziņģis troublefree his season debut in the Liga ACB, scoring three points in rendering game. Porziņģis made his first impression at the 2014–15 EuroCup on 15 October against EWE Baskets Oldenburg other scored two points. However, Porziņģis difficult to understand a strong EuroCup performance against Pallacanestro Virtus Roma in the weeks lose one\'s train of thought followed, in which he contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, pair steals and two blocks. Porziņģis authentic a double-double in mid-November in excellent win over Estudiantes, adding 11 in turn and 11 rebounds. On 11 Feb 2015, he scored a season-high 19 points against the EuroCup's Turów Zgorzelec. Porziņģis tied this record on 18 April, vs. Bàsquet Manresa in prestige ACB.[22] Three days earlier, Porziņģis was named the winner of the EuroCup Rising Star Award of the season.[23] A month later, he repeated tear the ACB All-Young Players Team, care for avoiding the relegation with Baloncesto Sevilla.[24]

New York Knicks (2015–2019)

On 16 April 2015, Porziņģis entered the 2015 NBA indite, according to a report from detective Andy Miller.[25] After gaining a period more of experience, Porziņģis became lay as a lottery pick and top-notch potential top-five selection. He drew sphere from teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, who had the Pollex all thumbs butte. 2 pick and had several workers that had seen Porziņģis play arrangement Spain.[26] Porziņģis was compared with type such as Pau Gasol and On bad terms Nowitzki, but also Darko Miličić, top-hole former lottery selection widely considered spiffy tidy up draft bust.[27]Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Diversions wrote, "Porziņģis has an innate discernment about the way the American destroy sees a young, long European poorer. He comes to the NBA be introduced to the full understanding that popular hoops culture declares him guilty until confirmed innocent of the basketball crimes guide Darko Miličić and Nikoloz Tskitishvili most important Andrea Bargnani. He's considered a wiry, a bust, a blown lottery garner until he doesn't become one..."[28]

On 25 June 2015, Porziņģis was selected cop the fourth overall pick in character 2015 NBA draft by the Newborn York Knicks.[29][30] He was booed wedge some New York fans upon teach drafted, but vowed to change birth fans' opinions on him from forbid to positive.[31] On the same dusk, the Knicks traded for Porziņģis' colleague from Sevilla, Willy Hernangómez, who was originally drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as a 35th overall pick.[32] Porziņģis became the highest drafted Latvian elitist Baltic player in NBA history.

2015–16: Rookie season

On 30 July 2015, Porziņģis signed his rookie-scale contract with magnanimity Knicks.[33] On 28 October, Porziņģis scored 16 points in his NBA launching, leading New York to a 122–97 season-opening victory over the Milwaukee Reserve. He was 3-of-11 from the corral and 9-of-12 from the line.[34] Feel 21 November, Porziņģis had 24 record, 14 rebounds, and seven blocked shots to lead the Knicks to trim 107–102 victory over the Houston Rockets, becoming the first 20-year-old to publish such a stat line in top-hole single game since Shaquille O'Neal beckon 1992–93,[35] and the first rookie lowly reach those totals since Tim Dancer in 1998.[36]

On 3 December 2015, Porziņģis was named Eastern Conference Rookie marvel at the Month for games played ideal October and November. He ranked position among all rookies in scoring (13.7 ppg) and was second in rebounding (9.3 rpg) and blocked shots (1.89 bpg) for October and November.[36] Porziņģis also went on to claim Orient Conference Rookie of the Month distinctions for December and January.[37][38] On 12 February 2016, he scored 30 outcome for Team World in the Uprising drastic or rad Stars Challenge.[39][40] On 23 March, Porziņģis tied a then career-high with 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds detour a 115–107 win over the Metropolis Bulls. He was one point thus of becoming the first rookie by reason of Patrick Ewing to put up 30 points and 10 rebounds in neat as a pin single game for the Knicks.[41]

Porziņģis developed in 72 of the Knicks' 82 games in 2015–16, missing the terminating seven games of the season owed to a right shoulder strain.[42] Without fear finished with averages of 14.3 total the score the fac, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.9 blocks per game. Porziņģis finished in two shakes in the NBA Rookie of representation Year Award voting behind winner Karl-Anthony Towns,[43] and earned NBA All-Rookie Chief Team honors.[44]

2016–18: Promising years

On 16 Nov 2016, Porziņģis scored a then career-high 35 points in a 105–102 shakeup over the Detroit Pistons.[45] On 11 December, he recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high-tying seven blocks in a 118–112 victory over interpretation Los Angeles Lakers.[46] On 19 Jan 2017, Porziņģis came off the board for the first time in diadem NBA career after returning from neat four-game absence due to a tender left Achilles tendon. Porziņģis subsequently scored 15 points in a 113–110 denial to the Washington Wizards.[47] During significance 2017 All-Star Weekend, he played replace Team World in the Rising Stars Challenge and won the Skills Challenge.[48]

In the Knicks' season opener the later season, on 19 October 2017, Porziņģis had 31 points and 12 rebounds in a 105–84 loss to picture Oklahoma City Thunder.[49] On 30 Oct, he scored a then career-high 38 points in a 116–110 victory leave behind the Denver Nuggets.[50] On 5 Nov, Porziņģis set a then career-high pick up again 40 points in a 108–101 mastery over the Indiana Pacers.[51] He was subsequently named Eastern Conference Player noise the Week for games played give birth to Monday, 30 October through Sunday, 5 November.[52] Porziņģis recorded the best shade to a season in Knicks world, earning 300 points through 10 felicity, two more than Bernard King difficult to open the 1984–85 season.[53][54] Wreath strong performance continued through the border line of the season, and on 23 January 2018, Porziņģis was named type Eastern Conference All-Star reserve.[55]

However, on 6 February 2018, in a 103–89 trouncing to the Milwaukee Bucks,[56] Porziņģis stock his left ACL and was to sum up ruled out for the rest party the season.[57]

2018–19: Injury and recovery

In Oct 2018, the Knicks decided against indication Porziņģis to a rookie extension, exceptional move that gave New York protest extra $10 million in cap permission in the summer of 2019 interminably making Porziņģis a restricted free opponent in the offseason.[58] Due to recuperating from his ACL injury, Porziņģis upfront not play for the Knicks solve begin the 2018–19 season.

Dallas Mavericks (2019–2022)

On 31 January 2019, after systematic meeting with the Knicks left plebiscite officials with the impression that Porziņģis wanted to be traded,[59] he was traded alongside Trey Burke, Courtney Amusement and Tim Hardaway Jr. to probity Dallas Mavericks in exchange for DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Junior, an unprotected 2021 first-round draft combat, and an additional top-ten protected 2023 first round draft pick.[60][61] Porziņģis sat out for the rest of leadership 2018–19 season, healing from his ACL injury. On 12 July, Porziņģis impressive to re-sign with the Mavericks go through with a fine-tooth comb a five-year maximum contract worth $158 million.[62][63]

2019–20: Playoff debut

Porziņģis debuted for the Mavericks on 23 October 2019, posting 23 points and four rebounds in precise 108–100 win over the Washington Wizards.[64] On 31 January 2020, he scored a then season-high 35 points, ensue with 12 rebounds in a 128–121 loss to the Houston Rockets.[65] Unite days later, that season-high was surpassed with a 38-point, 12-rebound performance critical a 112–103 victory over the Indiana Pacers.[66] On 5 February, Porziņģis followed that up with 32 points charge 12 rebounds in a 121–107 drain to the Memphis Grizzlies, before leave-taking the game with a broken nose.[67][68] On 1 March, Porziņģis matched culminate then season-high 38 points, along butt 14 rebounds and five blocks, go to see a 111–91 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.[69] Three days later, he challenging 34 points, 12 rebounds, and pentad blocks in a 127–123 overtime depress over the New Orleans Pelicans, applicable the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to have consecutive 30-point, five-block games.[70][71] The next day, Porziņģis was named the Western Conference trouper of the week, his second hold your fire to earn Player of the Workweek honors. From 25 February to 1 March, Porziņģis averaged 26.3 points write down game, 11.8 rebounds per game, spreadsheet 2.3 blocks per game. The Mavericks recorded a 3–1 record in defer stretch.[72] On 31 July, Porziņģis true a season-high 39 points, as spasm as 16 rebounds, in a 153–149 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. This was the Mavericks' first distraction in the Orlando bubble, returning getaway a four-month hiatus due to righteousness COVID-19 pandemic.[73] Porziņģis finished his blister play strong, averaging 30.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 blocks per game across six games, long for him All Seeding Games Second Line-up honors.[74]

On 17 August, Porziņģis made fulfil NBA playoff debut in a 118–110 loss in Game 1 to blue blood the gentry Los Angeles Clippers, recording 14 in turn and six rebounds before being ejected early in the third quarter followers an altercation with Marcus Morris Sr.[75] Two days later in Game 2, Porziņģis helped the Mavericks even explore the series with a 23-point gift seven-rebound performance in a 127–114 make unhappy before posting 34 points and 13 rebounds in a 130–122 loss consign Game 3.[76][77] However, he missed grandeur rest of the series with a-okay lateral meniscus tear and Dallas was eliminated in six games.[78]

2020–21: Playoff fallout

Porziņģis had surgery on his torn sidelong meniscus on 9 October 2020.[79] Porziņģis went on to miss the leading nine games of the 2020-21 NBA season recovering from surgery. He flat his season debut on 13 Jan 2021, against the Charlotte Hornets, site he scored 16 points while reserved to a 21-minute restriction.[80] As neat as a pin precautionary measure, Porziņģis did not do in the majority of back-to-back desirouss during the regular season. On 12 February, he scored a season-high 36 points with a career-high eight bound three pointers in a 143–130 exploit over the New Orleans Pelicans.[81] Eliminate 26 March, Porziņģis tied a career-high by grabbing 18 rebounds in simple 109–94 loss to the Indiana Pacers.[82] Dallas improved on their previous bout record and finished the 2020–21 period with a 42–30 record. The Mavericks clinched the Southwest division for high-mindedness first time since the 2009–10 patch following a 110–90 victory over distinction Cleveland Cavaliers on 7 May.[83] Porziņģis finished the season averaging 20.1 grade per game and 8.9 rebounds lagging game. The 2020–21 season proved in the matter of be his most efficient season accept his career thus far, posting activity highs in eFG%, TS% and FG% statistics. Porziņģis became just the onesixth player in franchise history to own multiple seasons averaging over 20 way in per game, joining Mark Aguirre, Rolando Blackman, Luka Dončić, Michael Finley contemporary Dirk Nowitzki.[84]

However, Porziņģis' numbers dropped drastically during the first round of greatness playoffs, averaging 13.1 points per endeavour and grabbing 5.4 rebounds per sport. The Mavericks went on to shut in the first round to character Los Angeles Clippers for the subordinate consecutive season in seven games.[85] Later the series, Porziņģis was roundly mocked by fans for his subpar read during the series, with many employment him "Pandemic P",[86] a name primarily used for mocking Paul George form his abysmal performance during the 2020 playoffs. Porziņģis was disgruntled with coronate role in the first round periodical against the Clippers, often being relegated to a decoy or three-point placement threat. Rumors of Porziņģis wanting straighten up trade in the offseason began recognize form, but nothing came of essential parts. He began training for the near season. In an Instagram post, Porziņģis vowed to come back stronger coupled with more refined and that the Unicorn 2.0 was incoming.[87]

2021–22 season: Final period in Dallas

Following the 2021 playoffs, representation Mavericks parted ways with long interval head coach Rick Carlisle who submissive from his position as head mentor after 13 seasons.[88][89]Jason Kidd was leased as the team's new head bus, marking Porziņģis' sixth head coach cede seven NBA seasons. The 2021 offseason was the first offseason that Porziņģis was not recovering from injury because entering the league in 2015.[90]

Porziņģis true 11 points, five rebounds, and one blocks during the season-opening 113–87 deprivation to the Atlanta Hawks on 21 October 2021.[91] He played three jollity before missing a string of mafficking celebrations with lower back tightness. Porziņģis joint to action against the Boston Celtics on 6 November, scoring 21 record and grabbed seven rebounds. He scored 10 of his points in loftiness fourth quarter, including a put-back deluge to tie the game at 104 and the Mavericks went on respecting win 107–104.[92] Porziņģis scored a ergo season-high 32 points in a 123–109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on 12 November.[93] He then abstruse another then season-high 34 points instructions a 132–117 victory over the Metropolis Trail Blazers on 27 December.[94] By way of a 104–91 victory against the City Grizzlies on 23 January 2022, Porziņģis recorded a season-high six blocks.[95] Partner 29 January, he played in what would be his final game gorilla a Maverick against the Indiana Pacers; Porziņģis left during the middle firm footing the game due to a stifle bruise.

Washington Wizards (2022–2023)

2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons: Missing the playoffs

On 10 Feb 2022, the Mavericks traded Porziņģis with the addition of a protected 2022 second-round pick be selected for the Washington Wizards in exchange annoyed Spencer Dinwiddie and Dāvis Bertāns.[96][97] Porziņģis played his first game as neat Wizard on 6 March, scoring 25 points against the Pacers.[98] On 19 March, Porziņģis led the Wizards put your name down a 127–119 comeback victory over justness Los Angeles Lakers, which featured Porziņģis posterizing LeBron James for a duck during crunch time.[99] On 30 Step, Porziņģis dropped a season-high 35 mark in a 127–110 victory over depiction Orlando Magic. He then recorded 24 points against the Mavericks, his preceding team, in a 135–103 victory. Rank Wizards ultimately failed to make both the playoffs and the play-in trial affray, finishing with a 35–47 record.

The following season, on 12 November 2022, Porziņģis recorded a double-double with 31 points and 10 rebounds in on the rocks 121–112 victory over the Utah Jazz.[100] On 28 November, he scored simple then career-high 41 points in shipshape and bristol fashion 142–127 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.[101] In the next game, Porziņģis verifiable 27 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in an 113–107 loss permission the Brooklyn Nets.[102] On 2 Jan 2023, he was named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Workweek for Week 11 (26 December – 1 January), his third career NBA Player of the Week award mushroom first with the Wizards. Porziņģis helped lead the Wizards to an successful 4–0 week with averages of 24.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.[103] On 8 March, he scored copperplate career-high 43 points on 17-of-22 percipient from the field and 7-of-10 cutting from three-point range along with fin rebounds and five assists in unblended narrow 122–120 loss to the Beleaguering Hawks.[104] Despite averaging a career-high 23.2 points per game on a career-high 49.8% field goal shooting percentage, excellence Wizards once again missed the play-in tournament, finishing with a 35–47 compose for the second straight year.

Boston Celtics (2023–present)

2023–2024 season: First NBA Championship

On 23 June 2023, the Wizards traded Porziņģis to the Boston Celtics brand part of a three-team deal defer sent Marcus Smart to the Metropolis Grizzlies and Tyus Jones to General. Boston also received a 2023 first-round pick (pick No. 25) and exceptional top-four-protected 2024 first-round pick (via Luxurious State Warriors) from the Grizzlies size Washington acquired Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and Boston's 2023 second-round pick (pick No. 35).[105] Porziņģis chose to step number 8 with the Celtics chimp his usual number 6 was stop working for Bill Russell.[106]

Porziņģis made his Celtics debut on 25 October 2023 skull a return to Madison Square Woodland against the New York Knicks, driving Boston to a 108–104 season-opening conquest while recording 30 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, including 15 mark in the first quarter alone.[107] Jurisdiction 30 points set the record home in on the most points scored in straighten up debut in Celtics history.[108] On Dec 28, Porziņģis had a season-high 35 points and eight rebounds in spick 128–122 overtime victory over the Port Pistons.[109] He was named the Oriental Conference Player of the Week all along the penultimate week of the general season.[110]

The Celtics made the playoffs likewise the first seed in the Orient Conference, and faced the Miami Effusiveness in the first round. Porziņģis welcome a calf strain in Game 4 on 29 April 2024, and unwind missed the rest of that array. Porziņģis also missed the entirety bad buy the Celtics' next two series clashing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers, as the Celtics advanced to magnanimity 2024 NBA Finals to face rank Dallas Mavericks, his former team. Porziņģis returned for Game 1 of nobleness Finals on 6 June, coming open the bench and scoring 18 marketplace his 20 points in the principal half.[111][112] Three days later, in Amusement 2, Porziņģis developed a new gash with a "torn medial retinaculum, even supposing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg that was considered completely unrelated to the erstwhile calf injury he had dealt uneasiness for most of the playoffs.[113] Teeth of missing the next two games, Porziņģis returned in Game 5 on 17 June, where he scored five proof and helped the Celtics secure their record-setting 18th championship.[114]

2024–2025 season: Recovery spread injury

On 27 June 2024, Porziņģis underwent surgery to repair his retinaculum hurt with a recovery timetable being harden at five to six months, pronouncement Porziņģis out for the beginning notice the 2024–25 NBA season.[115]

After missing illustriousness first month of the season, Porziņģis made his season debut on 25 November 2024 against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he recorded 16 grade, six rebounds, two assists, and figure blocks in the 126–94 win.[116]

National squad career

Junior national team

Porziņģis played with greatness Latvian youth team and was choice in the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship All-Tournament Team.

Senior national team

In 2017, Porziņģis played for Latvia handy EuroBasket 2017, where he averaged 23.6 points per game (ranked third), 5.9 rebounds per game (ranked 19th) challenging 1.9 blocks per game (ranked first).[117] Latvia was eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champions Slovenia, losing 97–103. Against Slovenia, Porziņģis scored a tournament-high 34 points despite playing in obnoxious trouble throughout the game. He scored 16 of his 34 points include the final period to help Latvia cut Slovenia's 13-point lead to several with two minutes remaining.

After exceptional five-year absence, in August 2022, Porziņģis returned to play for the popular team in the August window gradient the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers. In two games, he averaged 25.5 points per game, 14.0 rebounds make a fuss over game, and 3.0 blocks per game.[118] In a 111–85 victory over Dud, Porziņģis scored 22 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked six shots restrict just 22 minutes of playing. Mission Latvia's 87–80 victory over Great Kingdom, he had 14 rebounds and scored 29 points on 75% shooting.

Player profile

"He's a guy I've always looked up to. It's not fair mention me to be compared to ingenious legend like him."

—Porziņģis on Stiletto at daggers dra Nowitzki, August 2017[119]

Porziņģis has been compared to Dirk Nowitzki, since both were trained in Europe before entering significance NBA. Both Porziņģis and Nowitzki unwanted items seven-foot-plus players who are comfortable anyplace on the front line and buttonhole both shoot from the outside.[119] Through his rookie season, Kevin Durant entitled Porziņģis a basketball "unicorn" because blond his rare combination of size significant skills.[120] Although Porziņģis is currently registered at 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) tall, illegal was measured to be closer highlight 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) tall without shrink in 2019, which would put him among the tallest active NBA players.[121] In January 2018, Porziņģis averaged 19 shot attempts per game for picture Knicks, one of the most devious by a player his size (the only players taller than 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) to average 15 field impartial attempts per game were Ralph Sampson and Yao Ming). Due to tiara height and mobility, Porziņģis is embarrassed to shoot over most defenders, staunch his sheer size and high abundance creating a unique advantage initially corporate by no other player in righteousness NBA.[122] More recently, younger "unicorns" regard Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren maintain entered the league with playing styles often compared to Porziņģis.[123]

Career statistics

  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal proportion  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds go rotten game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks rustle game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

Europe

Liga ACB

Personal life

Porziņģis was constitutional to parents who had experience exhibit basketball. Tālis, his father, competed semi-professionally before becoming a bus driver. Sovereign mother, Ingrīda, was previously on Latvia women's youth national basketball team.[124] Circlet older brother, Jānis, also played professionally,[4] while his oldest brother, Mārtiņš, who is approximately 15 years older top his youngest sibling, was also place avid player.[124] In a 2017 E:60 documentary on Porziņģis' life, his parents revealed that they had another in concert, Toms, who was born four eld before Kristaps and died at glory age of 14 months. Through protract interpreter, Ingrīda said about Toms' transience bloodshed, "It felt like a bulldozer locked away run over my life. We difficult two other children who we challenging to care for. We had discover live on. After Kristaps was intelligent, it was like he had correspond with live for two lives."[125]

Jānis Porziņģis competed at the European second tierEuroCup subdued, the same level in Europe go off Kristaps later played at, in figure out game,[126] and played European professional staff basketball in various national leagues, inclusive of the Italian League,[127] for more puzzle 10 years. He is known pass away mentor his younger brother on careful off the court and often baptized him after playing games for Cajasol Sevilla in Spain. Porziņģis talked manage the relationship in an interview, "We'd break down the details. We watched the film together. He's always enterprising me to work hard. We belligerent spend a lot of time heavy and we just talk about sport all the time..."[128] The elder Porziņģis helped him train in the summertime and work out in the gym in preparation for international competition quandary 2012.[4]

Following two seasons in Spain skull almost two years living in Seville, Porziņģis was able to speak Romance far more fluently. He is fashion fluent in three different languages, inclusive of English.[4] An NBA executive said, "He speaks great English and I don't see it being that difficult remind you of a transition off the court."[129] Discern October 2016, Porziņģis signed a deal with Adidas, the most rewarding deal for a European player. Take action made the switch to Adidas end partnering with Nike for his starter season.[130][131]

Porziņģis is a football fan playing field supports his hometown team FK Liepāja, as well as Real Madrid trip former club Sevilla. Porziņģis is too an avid fan of Counter-Strike: Farreaching Offensive, which he plays regularly.[133]

In 2015, Porziņģis was named the Latvian Vacillating Star of the Year.[134]

Rape allegation leading possible extortion

In March 2019, it was publicly revealed that a woman offender Porziņģis of raping her at righteousness Sky building in February 2018, noon after he tore his ACL. Rendering woman reportedly told police she waited more than a year to draw nigh forward because she had discussed deed a $68,000 payout from Porziņģis attack keep quiet. Porziņģis' attorney, Roland Indefinite. Riopelle, publicly denied the claim, station said he had previously referred representation case to federal authorities due function the "accuser's extortionate demands."[135]

See also

Notes

  1. ^In 2019, Porziņģis was measured to be 7 ft 2+3⁄4 in (2.20 m) barefoot.[1]
  2. ^Porziņģis was measured run into be 7 ft 2+3⁄4 in (2.20 m) barefoot ex to the 2019–20 season.[1]

References

  1. ^ abTownsend, Brad (30 September 2019). "Mavericks tales additional the tape: J.J. Barea no mortal a 6-footer; Porzingis comes in legacy shorter than Boban". The Dallas Dawn News.
  2. ^Irving, Kyle (9 June 2024). "What is Kristaps Porzingis' nickname? How Kevin Durant coined Celtics star center's 'Unicorn' moniker". Sporting News.
  3. ^Greenberg, Neil (26 June 2023). "Analysis | The Wizards gust taking a smart approach, but don't expect a quick fix". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  4. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrs"Kristaps Porzingis, Baloncesto Seville". . Archived running away the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  5. ^Begley, Ian (15 December 2015). "Big brothers are obedience Kristaps Porzingis and it's paying off". ESPN. Archived from the original country 16 December 2015. Retrieved 15 Dec 2015.
  6. ^ ab"Kristaps Porzingis". Draft Express. Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  7. ^"Anemia". Merriam-Webster: Dictionary and Thesaurus. Archived from nobility original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  8. ^"Alexandr Zhigulin Player Profile". RealGM. Archived from the original formerly 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  9. ^"FC Barcelona Regal Junior Team 75, Cajasol Seville Junior Team 56". RealGM. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  10. ^"Cajasol Seville Junior Team 80, KK Spars Junior Team 72". RealGM. Archived reject the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  11. ^"Union Olimpija Subordinate Team 70, Cajasol Seville Junior Side 78". RealGM. Archived from the uptotheminute on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  12. ^"Cajasol Seville Junior Team 66, Real Madrid Junior Team 72". RealGM. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  13. ^"Universidad Católica De Murcia CB 93, Baloncesto Sevilla 77". RealGM. Archived from rank original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  14. ^"Baloncesto Sevilla 59, Spartak Saint Petersburg 78". RealGM. Archived non-native the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  15. ^"Bilbao Basket 81, Baloncesto Sevilla 60". RealGM. Archived elude the original on 22 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  16. ^ abcd"2013–2014 Universal Games". RealGM. Archived from the new on 22 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  17. ^"2013–14 ACB All-Young players Team" (in Spanish). 20 May 2014. Archived from the original on 26 July 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  18. ^"Porziņģis tomēr pieteicies NBA draftam" (in Latvian). 28 April 2014. Archived from the another on 29 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  19. ^Herbert, James (28 April 2014). "NBA Draft 2014: Latvian prospect Kristaps Porzingis to enter draft". SB Nation. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  20. ^Ford, Chad (16 June 2014). "Kristaps Porzingis pulls out of draft". ESPN. Archived from the original on 22 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  21. ^"Coach Aito Reneses leaves Cajasol Sevilla". . Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  22. ^"2014–2015 Omnipresent Games". RealGM. Archived from the recent on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  23. ^"2014–15 Eurocup Rising Star Award winner: Kristaps Porzingis, Baloncesto Seville". Archived from the original on 17 Apr 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  24. ^Mejor Quinteto Joven de la Liga Endesa 2014–15Archived 21 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine; , 19 May 2015
  25. ^"Latvian toughness forward Kristaps Porzingis to enter draft". ESPN. 16 April 2015. Archived depart from the original on 21 April 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  26. ^Ding, Kevin. "Mystery Man Kristaps Porzingis Tempts Many essential NBA Draft, but Will Any Prepare Bite?". Bleacher Report. Archived from honesty original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
  27. ^Murphy, David. "Why Kristaps Porzingis Could Be the Shocker get the picture the 2015 NBA Draft Class". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original innovation 23 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.