Kristaps Porzingis Says Playing For Knicks Is His 'Dream'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Soon-to-be NBA player Kristaps Porzingis would love to play for the Knicks, and he hasn't been shy about saying so.
"It's my dream (to) play for the Knicks," Porzingis said on Wednesday, according to ESPN.com. "It's a basketball city. It definitely is a big spotlight. I think I can take it. I would love to be a part of, a leader of that rebuilding team."
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The Knicks have the fourth pick in Thursday night's NBA draft. It's certainly feasible that team president Phil Jackson could select the 19-year-old Latvian.
Latest NYK info from sources: if Okafor/Russell gone, Knicks like either Kristaps Porzingis, Frank Kaminsky or Trey Lyles. Mudiay hovering
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 25, 2015
"That's a great organization," Porzingis said of the Knicks, according to ESPN.com. "...I would say the best organization there is in the NBA, one of the best."
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Earlier this month, Jackson -- along with head coach Derek Fisher and director of player personnel Mark Warkentien -- watched the power forward/center work out in Las Vegas.
The 7-foot-1 Porzingis not only possesses great size, but is said to be an excellent shooter.
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In addition to Porzingis, the Knicks have worked out point guard Emmanuel Mudiay and forward Justise Winslow. They've also worked out players -- such as Willie Cauley-Stein, Frank Kaminsky and Trey Lyles -- who are expected to go lower in the draft.
It's conceivable that Jackson could trade down, though it appears that scenario is unlikely.