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| KP6 a.k.a. Godzingis |
Interview: New York Knicks first-round draft pick Kristaps Porzingis
We met New York Knicks first-round draft pick Kristaps Porzingis at the Knicks training facility in Westchester recently. Last season, Kristaps, the 7-foot, 1-inch forward, played for Sevilla in the European League.
Q: Has it been difficult to adapt to the NBA's style of play?
A: It's different but I wouldn't say difficult. I watched a lot of NBA when I was a kid. Growing up and wanted to be one of the players. So I kind of know what it's going to be like playing, but for some leaguers it's their first experience and will take some time to adjust. I'll get there.
Q: Is there any way speaking three languages helps you on the court?
A: Sure, for example now my teammate Jose Calderon. He speaks Spanish so we'll be able to speak Spanish with him. The other team doesn't understand us.
Q: What do you want to see the most in New York?
A: I don't know. The city is beautiful. I haven't seen anything yet. I'm just looking forward to see the city and there's a lot of tourism here. Just see everything.
Q: Will you be cheering for the Mets or Yankees?
A: I don't know. I'm not a big baseball guy.
Q: Why didn't you enter the 2014 draft?
A: Because I knew once I signed up for the draft I wasn't going to stay there. They wanted me to stay one more year in Spain. Just to draw more attention. That was it.
Q: On the court is there a lot of trash talk that goes on?
A: In Spain a little bit, but not too much. I think it's more an American thing. In some there's no trash talk at all but maybe during the regular season.
Q: Why did you choose the uniform number 6?
A: Why? Because I played with 6 before. I chose number 6 because my brother used to wear number 6.
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| — Kristaps Kornrows — |
Q: Why did you want to play for New York rather than any other team?
A: It was my dream to play for New York. It's a basketball city, all the fans, they're a little tough sometimes but they want you to play good and if you win games then they love you.
Q: What are your goals for the season?
A: Have a good season, want to win games and earn my minutes on the board. Just play hard and win games.
Q: What did you do after signing for the Knicks?
A: I celebrated with my family. Went out to dinner and that was it. It was a special moment. It was a dream come true for me to sign for the Knicks.
Q: What were your emotions when your fans were booing you when your name was called at the draft?
A: Just try to be calm and have it not bother you too much. You know how fans are. I want to turn those boos into cheers. — Sam Gibbs, Nate Harvey and Jarrett Nagengast (Kidsday reporters) | Sacramento Bee
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