Pablo Prigioni Talks About His Experience with the Knicks

An international basketball star and accomplished Liga ACB performer, Pablo Prigioni is one of the foremost authorities on what it means to play for the name on the front of the jersey. Unfortunately, Prigioni’s tenure with the New York Knicks didn’t go according to plan.

Since playing the role of a pace-setting, second unit facilitator for the 54-28 Knicks, Prigioni’s contributions have been lost in the dreadful nature of the team. He’s never been one to blow people away statistically, but the Argentinian floor general is nothing if not selfless and respected.

That’s exactly why the Houston Rockets added him in their pursuit of an NBA championship.

Per Marc Berman of The New York Post, Prigioni recently spoke about his, “Interesting,” experience with the Knicks.

"“It was a big change for me – the first three, four months of the season was really tough, really hard for me,’’ Prigioni told The Post in a phone interview. “We were in the middle of a rebuilding. After the trade, everything changed. I got a little lucky to land on one of best teams in the West. I feel lucky we have this injury, very bad for [Patrick]. He was playing great. On the other side, that injury opened space in the rotation for me. I’m trying to give my best and enjoy this pressure.’’"

It’s not hard to see why Prigioni was rubbed the wrong way.

Prigioni, 38, came to the NBA and joined a rotation of point guards whose primary role was to create open looks. He and others succeeded in doing so, helping the Knicks set a recently broken all-time record for 3-point field goals made in a season.

Since then, the Knicks have progressively broken down until Phil Jackson finally gave up on the short-term and committed to the future.

At 38 years old, the idea of playing for next season isn’t exactly the most ideal scenario to be in. Prigioni is approaching retirement and is hoping to win a championship before his playing career concludes.

That’s exactly why Prigioni requested a trade.

"“When I saw how things were going, it was so clear they were looking more to next season, the summer,’’ Prigioni said. “I felt myself at 38, I have no future on the team. I talked to Derek [Fisher] and told him my desire to send me somewhere so I can enjoy probably my last year in the league. At the deadline it was good for me and the team because they’re looking for young guys to build for the next five years.’’"

It’s worked out well for Prigioni and the Rockets.

Houston is currently in the Western Conference Semifinals. Thus, Prigioni is receiving the opportunity he’s been yearning for as a key second unit contributor on a championship contender.

Unfortunately, Prigioni was unable to close out his NBA career in New York.

"“I talked with STAT, how strange this situation a couple of months ago we were together in the Knicks locker room and now, look, playing in the first round in the West,’’ Prigoni said. “Playing against old teammates, I don’t like it. I have special relationship with all of them. It was fun to see them again but I’m happy to beat them.’’"

Pablo Prigioni and the Rockets will face either the Los Angeles Clippers or San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Next: The Knicks prefer Karl-Anthony Towns to Jahlil Okafor in the NBA Draft

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