Kristaps Porzingis is being pulled in every direction imaginable. He's just smart enough to avoid the pitfalls of his newfound fame.
The Knicks rookie can be heard -- along with Carmelo Anthony and Robin Lopez -- on the Long Island Railroad, warning the public to "watch the gap when leaving the train," per the New York Post. Liepaja, a coastal city in his hometown, took it a step further with a billboard that translated to: "Welcome to my hometown."
Kristaps Porzingis Needs More Fights To Get Respect
Needless to say, Porzingis was pleased with the final result.
"I saw it. It's pretty cool, representing my hometown," he said. "I'm proud to be from there. I saw it online. Pretty cool"
#Liepāja no sirds lepojas ar @kporzee! Kristaps Porzingis #NBAVote pic.twitter.com/LHuE5YhNVJ
— Liepāja (@liepajalv) January 12, 2016
Kristaps Porzingis Must Feature In 2016 All-Star Game
Just not cool enough to tempt Porzingis into future endorsements. A source told the New York Post he's asked to do less marketing for now, so he can focus on basketball.
He's going to need to after Tuesday.
Not only did Porzingis foul out, but Anthony went down with a sprained right knee and missed the second half of the Knicks' 120-114 victory over the Celtics. His status for Wednesday's game in Brooklyn is still up in the air, per the New York Post.
The more time spent worrying about on the court issues -- like not fouling out -- the better for Porzingis. His workload will only increase as the season progresses, especially if he keeps receiving top rookie honors. (Porzingis shared December's Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors with Karl-Anthony Towns).
It's best he accepts the challenge head on, rather than buy into his own hype.
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Kristaps Porzingis puts up 16 in the first quarter as @NYKnicks defeat @Celtics 120-114. https://t.co/ZWFUZKa4mT
— NBA (@NBA) January 13, 2016
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