Strength guru says KP will be set for season
Dr. Carlon Colker is bubbling with muscles and with optimism regarding his difficult task in resculpting Kristaps Porzingis for next season.
“Despite the talk, ‘The sky is falling, he’ll never be the same,’ that’s a bunch of horse s--t,’’ Colker told The Post. “He’ll be better than ever. He’s going to be blow people away. If you’re around people who know what they’re doing, it’s not the end of the world. It’s the end of the world if you have the wrong people around you.”
With a doctorate specializing in sports performance, Colker’s job is strengthening Porzingis’ frame — everything but his damaged left knee. Hence, he must make adjustments.
Since Porzingis underwent ACL surgery in mid-February, the 7-foot-3 Latvian has headed to Colker’s Greenwich, Conn., facility three times a week (Porzingis does ACL rehab at the Knicks-affiliated Hospital of Special Surgery in Manhattan).
Colker works independently of the Knicks, but keeps in contact with their knee specialists.
“My speciality is power — physical power and base and connection to power,’’ said Colker, whose former clients include Shaquille O’Neal, Allan Houston and Andre Agassi. “Whether swinging a racket or a big man moving in the low post, it’s a connection to the base and hips.’’
Any concern Porzingis’ ACL rehab will hinder strengthening other areas is a myth, Colker said. With no games, practices or traveling, Porzingis has more time to impact his game by bulking up his body.
Colker is part of an aggressive faction regarding ACL timetables. While the Knicks likely won’t let Porzingis play until around Christmas (the 10-month mark) at the earliest, Colker says he’ll have him ready for opening night.
Knicks brass is aware of Porzingis’ relationship with Colker. Porzingis and Colker met late last season to take care of a recurring shoulder ailment.
Asked about a timetable, Colker said: “Ultimately, the folks at the Knicks have to de- cide when they want to let him back. As far as I’m concerned, he’s going to be ready to play for the beginning of next season. Everybody’s saying he won’t be ready until January. Oh, he’ll be ready to play by the beginning of the season.
“It’s a function of the Knicks, erring on the side of caution. You don’t want to make a bad call if you’re running the team. But I’ll tell you, when he comes back in late August he’s going to blow them away. They’re not going to be believe the condition he’ll be in. He’s going to be phenomenal.’’
Porzingis won’t press the issue.
The Knicks say Porzingis isn’t doing “basketball activities,” but a photo surfaced of him taking shots. Colker explains it’s more mental relief.
“He misses it terribly,’’ Colker said. The silver lining? “There’s a famous quote from Buzz Aldrin,’’ Colker said. “A press guy asked: ‘What are you going to do if the engine doesn’t work?’ He looked puzzled. ‘Then I’m going to work on the engine.’ We view this as an opportunity to improve other elements of the game. We’re off and running, improving stuff already.
“I know he’s going to be ready to play top of the season and going to blow people away. If you were surprised last year compared to the year before, wait till you see this year. It’ll be even better.”