KP’S 2ND THOUGHTS

Kristaps Porzingis learned a lesson in Spain that is being applied to his second season in the NBA: Don’t take improvement for granted.

Porzingis, 21, said he found that out while hitting a sophomore slump during his previous professional career in Spain. “I was thinking it was going to be fine and I’m going to be doing this, this, this so much better (after my first year). And nothing happened,” Porzingis said. “I had a few terrible games at the beginning of the season. And I realized that it’s not going to happen by itself. I’ve got to make it happen. I’ve gotta do this, this and this. And now this summer I’ve been remembering how it was a couple of years ago and I know what to expect now. Going into the second season it’s just going to be tougher for me. It’s not going to get easier. I really have to ready for it, for tougher defense and just making stuff happen with more pressure on you.”

Porzingis said he focused on building strength in his lower body this offseason, which was a change from the concentration on his upper body from a year ago. He also worked on his post-up moves and dribbling. “My ball handling has gotten a lot better. I feel more comfortable pushing the ball up, just playing pick-up ball, and I can tell, I just feel comfortable with the ball now,” he said. “So you’re going to see some new stuff this season. You’re going to see some new stuff and hopefully some more put-back dunks.”