Kristaps Porzingis isn't done earning street credibility. The Knicks rookie -- with his teammates behind him -- engaged in a brief altercation with Atlanta's Kent Bazemore on Tuesday.
He picked up his first-ever technical.
Just Wait Until Kristaps Porzingis Turns 21
"You guys are more surprised than I was surprised,'' Carmelo Anthony said, per the New York Post. "We're going to do something about that tech to help him out a bit [financially].
"He showed some grit out there. Someone walked up into your chest, you stand your ground. That's what he did.''
The Knicks Should Consider A Trade For Goran Dragic
That's what Porzingis is going to need to do more of if he hopes to receive his due.
I'd pay good money to watch Kristaps Porzingis fight someone. Might've picked up a few moves from World Star videos. https://t.co/W303GVepAy
— Mark Kim (@MarkJKim_) January 6, 2016
Admittedly, European veterans have gone a long way in shedding the "soft" label often attributed to overseas players. Andrew Bogut and Serge Ibaka certainly look the part of a rugged NBA player, while Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili did their part in the championship department.
But neither have the tall, slender frame associated to Porzingis -- who was once considered the Latvian Shawn Bradley.
That's the stereotype the 20-year-old's been fighting to shed since he was drafted No. 4 overall. He took a massive step in doing so on Tuesday, but his journey is not yet complete.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook.
Love how Melo just jumped in and had Porzingis' back. https://t.co/TyN1owOtc4
— LegionNBA (@MySportsLegion) January 6, 2016
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
