KP: I miss NY
Ex-Knick Porzingis says he has ‘lot of great memories’ ahead of MSG return
The reaction to Kristaps Porzingis’ return to the Garden on Friday won’t be as viciously loud as it was in 2019, with just 10 percent capacity allowed during this pandemic season.
But the 2,000 fans permitted inside when the Mavericks visit the Knicks should be vocal. And judging by last season’s nasty reception and social media, the 7-foot-3 Latvian is still viewed as a villain and undoubtedly will receive more jeers than cheers.
Ironically, Porzingis, traded from the Knicks 26 months ago, said he’s greeted differently on the streets of Manhattan when he visits, though he gave up his Midtown apartment.
Porzingis said he, in some ways, misses being a Knick.
“I do,” Porzingis said. “I miss the city. I miss this place. A lot of great memories. Every time I come back, it’s special. A lot of people here still recognize me and show me love and support. It’s always good to come back.”
Though it’s too early to fully judge the blockbuster trade, it’s not looking as horrible as it once did for the Knicks. Yes, point guard Dennis Smith Jr. was traded after being a bust with the Knicks, but they used their cap space to sign Julius Randle, who became an All-Star this season.
And the Knicks (24-24) still have major cap room this summer while vaulting into playoff position this season, currently tied for fifth place in the East.
In addition, at least one of their two future first-round picks from Dallas is expected to be used in a big trade. They have Dallas’ pick this July, though with their recent surge, it appears the Mavericks won’t land in the lottery.
“They’re good, they’re playing physical,” Porzingis said of the Knicks. “They’re playing a little bit slower but they take their time and they have [a] good group. They play hard defensively. Very solid team. They’re not a team we can overlook and think that we’re going to come in there and beat them. Especially when they’re at home. So we’re going to take them very seriously and prepare for them.”
Former Knicks president Steve Mills and current GM Scott Perry did not feel Porzingis wanted to be with the Knicks long term and traded him to cut their losses before he became a restricted free agent. Porzingis’ brother/agent Janis never gave the team’s brass any sense they were happy enough to stick around.
Dallas coach Rick Carlisle is a former Knick, played for Rick Pitino and knows the microscope Porzingis was under as the franchise player in the Big Apple.
“It’s a lot,’’ Carlisle said. “I spent time in New York, played a year and a half. New York is big. It’s Gotham. There’s a lot going on, a lot of media attention and scrutiny. I think KP has really learned to how to sift through and filter it the right way and concentrate on keeping himself ready and helping the team.”
Porzingis’ ACL surgery in February 2018 cost him the rest of that season, and he sat out the entire 2018-19 campaign to rehab. Late that season, the Knicks dealt him to Dallas.
Porzingis’ injury woes have continued in Dallas. The Knicks’ 2015 lottery pick broke down during the playoffs last season, had offseason knee surgery, missed the start of the 72-game campaign and developed inseason back issues.
But the 3-point-shooting big man is coming on after a slow start, and the Mavericks (25-21) have risen into seventh place in the West.
In the past 17 games since he missed time with those back woes, Porzingis has averaged 20.2 points and 9.8 rebounds, is shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 38.8 percent on 3-pointers.
“He’s been tremendous,’’ Carlisle said. “KP has had unique challenges but he’s a tough guy. He has taken it all on. When we hold him out, we hold him out. He’s not asking to sit. He wants to play in every single [game].’’