Washington Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis spent the first four years of his career as a member of the New York Knicks. Many at the time viewed him as a potential franchise savior.
Unfortunately injuries hobbled Porzingis, ultimately limiting his playing time and eventually souring his relationship with the Knicks. He would soon be dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he spent three years before then getting traded to the Washington Wizards this season.
Earlier this week Porzingis squared off against his old squad, tallying 18 points on 5-9 shooting and 11 boards in a 100-97 loss.
Afterward, he got brutally honest about what it was like to play in New York again.
“I enjoy this. I enjoy playing at MSG, whether it’s at home before or now on the road. It’s always entertaining,” he said.
“The biggest stage, and again, receiving the boos. It is what it is. It’s in the past now. I love the city. I miss this city a lot. I miss a lot of people here. Yeah, it is what it is, but I really enjoyed my time here and I only have good memories from this place.”
Porzingis seems to be in a much better place now. He appears to be more comfortable with where he is as a player, and he looks to be happier now that he is no longer playing alongside Luka Doncic. (The feeling is mutual.)
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/sLXvYusTC3
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 20, 2022
Moreover, Porzingis’ girlfriend seems to really be loving that D.C. life – so it’s a win on all fronts.
Will Porzingis ultimately be able to build the sort of consistent track record and legacy with the Wizards that he couldn’t with the Knicks and Mavericks?
Time will tell.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
