New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Hopes To Work Out With Pau Gasol

Dec 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Spurs defeated the Suns 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Spurs defeated the Suns 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Porzingis is planning to work out with Dirk Nowitzki. The New York Knicks star is also hoping to work out with fellow Liga ACB legend Pau Gasol.


Kristaps Porzingis is carrying an unenviable burden as the future face of the New York Knicks. In order to live up to the incomparable hype and expectations, Porzingis is recruiting the help of some of the greatest players in NBA history.

In addition to making public plans to work out with Dirk Nowitzki during the 2017 offseason, Porzingis is hoping to train with another European legend: Pau Gasol.

Porzingis, like Gasol, began his professional basketball career in Spain’s vaunted Liga ACB. Both stand at 7’0″ or taller, both have well-rounded offensive skill sets, and both were drafted by franchises in need of saving.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Porzingis is hoping to discuss those similarities with Gasol during a potential offseason workout.

"“The way he reads the game,” Porzingis said when asked what he’s culled from Gasol. “How he always takes his time. Reads the game well, He’s an intelligent player. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to work out with him.”"

If Porzingis can work out with both Gasol and Nowitzki, he’ll likely come back with a new world of basketball knowledge.

Porzingis has become one of the most promising young players in the NBA today. Though Knicks fans may be impatient with his gradual rise to stardom, Porzingis has already become one of the most well-rounded players in the Association.

For perspective, Porzingis is the first and only player in Knicks history to record at least 100 3-point field goals made and 100 blocks in the same season.

The only other players in the NBA with at least 100 blocks and 100 3-point field goals made in 2016-17 are Serge Ibaka, age 27, and Brook Lopez, age 28.

Considering Porzingis is still just 21 years of age and already trending towards stardom, it’s safe to say he’s on the right path. Working out with Gasol would enable him to take two additional—and crucial—steps in his development.

First and foremost, Gasol is one of the best post players in league history. He has a vast array of post moves, as well as an elite ability to facilitate from either the low block or the high post.

Perhaps even more valuable is the fact that Gasol won two championships in the triangle offense while playing for none other than Phil Jackson.

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Whether it’s teaching Porzingis the intricacies of the game on the court or mentoring him on how to work within the triangle offense, one can only hope that Gasol will make time for a workout.

The future of the New York Knicks would be even brighter if that were to transpire.