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Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Studying Usain Bolt’s Running Technique

By William Lee

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New York Knicks management held a press conference yesterday and spoke highly about the rookie Kristaps Porzingis‘ work ethic. One of the more intriguing quotes from the conference was when Steve Mills said Porzingis studied Usian Bolt’s running techniques.

From Tim Bontemps of the New York Post

"“One day I went by him, and [Porzingis] was in the cold plunge [pool] and he was on his phone, and I went over to see what he was doing,” “He was watching Usain Bolt videos on running techniques.”“He is that diligent in terms of trying to understand every aspect of his body, every aspect of getting better and stronger. He’s a unique guy in that regard, and it will allow him to become the best player he can.”"

Aug 27, 2015; Beijing, China; Usain Bolt (JAM) poses after winning the 200m in 19.55 during the IAAF World Championships in Athletics at National Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Usain Bolt is widely regarded as the fastest man ever, holding World and Olympic records for 100 meters and 200 meters. Bolt has been finishing first and besting his own World and Olympic records since the Beijing Olympic games in 2008.

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It is great to hear Porzingis continuously trying to improve himself and studying greats one’s technique to do so. From all accounts, it sounds like Porzingis has the right mind-set and is working hard. Porzingis said he was “not Shawn Bradley” and was motivated to shred that comparison, doing so by gaining 11+ pounds.

Phil Jackson further confirmed Porzingis’ weight gain during the conference but does not seem to be too worried about his slender build, instead Jackson is more worried about his maturation as a human being.

"“We’re trying to expedite that [with Porzingis], and he’s been very receptive to the work it takes to become an NBA player, strength training, trying to bulk up and do all those things.”“[But] there’s only so much we can do. The maturation has to do the rest of it. We understand he’s probably still going to grow for the next five years just as a human being maturing into his body. … We’re very pleased with his attitude, the way he approaches work, his appetite for it. The rest is about now on the court, experiencing how to play and how to get around the game.”"

With the correct mind-set and Kurt Rambis mentoring Porzingis, the future is bright for the young Latvian.

Bolt is a fan of the NBA and has participated in the All-Star Celebrity game, maybe Porzingis could get some first-hand advice at some point. Then maybe Porzingis can give some pointers to Bolt on how to dunk the ball without traveling.

Bolt and Kevin Hart had some fun racing on the court as well during the Celebrity game.

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