On Friday, Kristaps Porzingis became the last Maverick to address the media after the availability of Zoom media calls from Rick Carlisle and Luka Doncic.
In response to Chris Henderson asking what it would be like to play without fans, Porzingis likened it to a “high-level, high-intensity pickup game.”
“I think a big part of the game and the atmosphere are the fans,” Porzingis noted, “they give us energy many times.” He mentioned how important the advantage of the local court is with the fans, but an adjustment to the new normal we face is necessary.
When Brad Townsend asked Porzingis if he was excited or apprehensive about playing basketball amid the pandemic, KP echoed a tone similar to Luka’s yesterday. “I am extremely excited to be back,” he emphasized, “I was exercising the entire time I was home, luckily the situation was good there.” He mentions the low number of cases in Latvia, which allows him to access gyms and go to dinner with the family.
“[Opting out] It was never really on my mind, “he replied to Dorothy Gentry when she asked him about his decision to play in the bubble.” The NBA was able to put everything together in a safe way for everyone, and I had no doubt in my mind that it was going to play and help the team. “Even though Porzingis chose to participate, he later mentioned understanding why some guys didn’t want to go to Orlando.” I’m a childless boy, so maybe I’m more fearless with those things, ” He said, “If someone has a different situation, you cannot judge them … they are all taking care of their families.” “His teammate Willie Cauley-Stein is someone who chose not to play in the bubble as he hopes his son be born soon.
Despite the handling of the load, Kristaps says his knee felt great when he returned to basketball last season. “Now with the extra time we’ve had … I feel really comfortable back on the court.” He mentions that the extra time has allowed him to learn more about the system and have many conversations with Coach Carlisle.
When asked about his chemistry progression with Luka, he mentioned that “there was only a matter of time” before they started clicking on the court. “I don’t think we’re going to take a step back,” he said, “we’re just moving forward … We’re both excited to play with each other and with the rest of the boys.”
“Of course we want to win as many games as we can,” Porzingis replied when asked about planting, “but we are not looking to avoid anyone.” This contrasts with the concerns of many Mavericks fans about facing teams like the Clippers or Lakers in the first round. “All of our mentalities are that we are a dangerous team and we can surprise people.”
Our own Doyle Rader asked him if he had been working on something to add to his game, to which Porzingis replied: “Yes, but I can’t talk about it. I will show it on the court. It seems that the Unicorn has added another exciting element to its game.
Tim Cato of The Athletic asked how it would feel to be in his playoff series, to which Porzingis assured that he was ready to play at his “highest level”.
“My goal is to have a postseason every year from now,” he emphasized.
When the English session closed, he assured Saad Yousef that he was mentally and physically ready to play basketball.
“Hopefully everything goes well and we can play basketball.”
We wait with you KP!
