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Knicks Rested Rookie Kristaps Porzingis on Friday

By William Lee

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New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis tweaked his iliotibial band during Wednesday night’s session of training camp. After the incident, head coach Derek Fisher initially expected Porzingis to participate in Friday’s training camp. The organization decided afterwards it would be better to play it safe and allow the 20 year-old to rest on Friday.

Porzingis understands the Knicks’ stance on the matter but at the same time is extremely eager to get back on the court, as per Al Iannazzone of Newsday.

"“They don’t want me to jump in too early,”“They tell me it’s a long season. Me as a player I want to be back as soon as possible. I don’t have any pain in my knee anymore. They did all the tests this morning before practice and everything is fine.”"

Fisher made it known that there is not much to be concerned about and that the rest is more than anything a precautionary move for the rookie. The Knicks want to make sure Porzingis is ready and healthy for the whole regular season.

"“I just think there was enough of an initial irritation just to be smart,”“He’s doing a lot of stuff before practice starts. He’s not really hobbled per se. Just being smart with him and trying to help him understand how long NBA seasons are and that you can’t push through everything. Take your time. It’s basically the first of October. There’s a long way to go. There’s no need having him pushing through things at this point.”“He’s probably frustrated I guess with me and our training staff because we’re telling him that he can’t. It’s not that he can’t move or he couldn’t participate. We’re seeing really good things from him. We want to see that for 82 games during the season and not for 35 days during the preseason.“"

Porzingis was not the only player to be held out of Friday’s training camp session, Arron Afflalo was also held out due to a sore left hamstring.

It is good to hear that the injury does not seem to be too serious and that Porzingis is eager to practice. This is a good sign of Porzingis’ character and work ethic.

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Another admirer of Porzingis is legendary Knick Willis Reed, as per Marc Berman of the New York Post. Reed came to training camp to join Phil Jackson in giving a pep talk to the Army football team. While addressing the media, Reed said he was high on the Latvian rookie and also sees potential in this year’s Knicks team.

"“I think the rook thinks he’ll start,’’ “I think he’ll start”“He’s got skill,’’ “Most guys [that size] are clumsy, unskillful. He’s well coordinated. He’s got to get stronger and learn the game. He’s got very good skills. Now it’s a matter of learning how to play our game. How long that takes, I don’t know. I’m betting on it. I think he can do something most guys his size don’t do well. That’s shoot the ball.’’"

This coming from a two-time NBA Finals MVP and NBA Champion, that is saying something. Or…he could just be a part of the Knicks’ propaganda machine but I would like to believe it is the former. Hopefully, Reed is right about Porzingis.

Here are some highlights from Friday’s training camp session that Porzingis and Afflalo missed.

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