Dirk Nowitzki Talks Kristaps Porzingis

The young New York Knicks sensation in Kristaps Porzingis is drawing comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki, so what exactly does Dirk think about the kid?

With the fourth pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks surprised “some” people and selected the 7’3″ Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis instead of other names such as Justise Winslow or Emmanuel Mudiay. Knicks fans made their displeasure known that night across the nation, but there has been a drastic change of heart in the Big Apple.

Porzingis has taken New York by storm with his ferocious put-back dunks and sweet shooting stroke. Early in the season, he is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds a game as some people have him leading the rookie of the year race.

With the gradual rise to stardom as a European big man, comes the comparisons to Pau Gasol and Dirk Nowitzki. So who better to get an opinion on the new youngster than Nowitzki himself?

Nov 2, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

This past week, Marc Stein of ESPN.com asked Nowitzki of his first impressions and what he thought about the kid (read article here).

“He is for real” said Nowitzki.

“He’s long. He’s athletic. He’s tough. He’s got touch. He can put it on the floor” continued Nowitzki.

The baby face of Porzingis makes the kid seem even younger than what he is, but his game is far more polished than what people ever thought it would be.  What could be just as important as his advanced game? His embracing of the spotlight in New York city.

Ever since the kid was drafted on draft night, he has accepted the responsibility and sat out to prove to the fans of New York that he was worth the high draft pick.

Whether he compares to a younger Nowitzki or not, the kid has a bright future ahead…or at least Nowitzki thinks so.

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