New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Using Shoe Deal As Motivation
New York Knicks phenom Kristaps Porzingis signed a new shoe deal with adidas. He’s using their investment as motivation to live up to his superstar potential.
When the New York Knicks selected Kristaps Porzingis at No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, few approved. Knicks fans were furious, media members called for Phil Jackson’s head, and whispers of Darko Millicic spread throughout the Association.
Less than 18 months later, Porzingis has become one of the most popular players in the NBA.
Porzingis went from a scrutinized rookie to the future face of the franchise in mere months. He became a household name around the NBA by flashing superstar potential and an unfiltered passion for the game.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Porzingis is using the sneaker deal he signed with adidas as motivation to achieve greatness.
"“I wasn’t really focused on getting a big (sneaker) deal during the summer, but that’s how it worked and I’m happy they see me as a European player who can not only be a player but have some effect off the court,” Porzingis told The News. “That doesn’t mean I’m a better player than Dirk Nowitzki, they just see me as somebody that’s good off the court, see me with kids and that kind of stuff. And they see that potential in me that one day I can be that good. It’s in my hands now to prove that I am what they believe I can be.”"
Porzingis always seems to say the right things.
Porzingis finished the 2015-16 NBA regular season with averages of 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made per game. Those are the highest points, rebounds, and blocks per game averages by a Knicks rookie since Patrick Ewing in 1985-86.
More impressively, Porzingis became the first and only rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made.
Amongst non-rookies, only Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Porzingis reached those marks in 2015-16.
Porzingis ranked No. 8 in the NBA in blocks per game and was one of the Top 20 players in defensive field goal percentage at the rim. He flashed a well-rounded offensive game, as well, which led to his receiving a unanimous selection to the 2016 All-Rookie First Team.
As for what the deal with adidas entails, Porzingis is on the right path towards getting a signature shoe.
"“I still have to become bigger. But I think that’s one of the things they see in me as one of those type of players in the future and that’s what I loved about it,” he said."
That may be true, but Porzingis is already one of the most popular players in the NBA.
Porzingis finished the 2015-16 NBA season at No. 4 in jersey sales. The only three players who sold more jerseys than the Knicks’ rookie phenom were 2016 MVP Stephen Curry, the retiring Kobe Bryant, and 2016 Finals MVP LeBron James.
Porzingis had better jersey sales than the likes of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.
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Every time something goes well for Porzingis, he seems to find new motivation. That’s the sign of a great player.