New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis humbly talks Dirk Nowitzki comparisons
New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis appreciates the comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki, but he isn’t entirely sure that they’re fair to make.
New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis has a rare combination of modesty and commitment to excellence. His work ethic has been heralded by many around the NBA, yet he still manages to exude humility.
Porzingis continued to exemplify those traits when discussing the public’s inclination to compare him to Dirk Nowitzki.
Porzingis has been compared to Nowitzki since well before he entered the NBA. It’s the stereotypical correspondence that fans and analysts make for white European big men who can shoot with 3-point range.
The difference between Porzingis and those who have come before him, however, is that he’s justified the early hype—in most everyone’s eyes but his own.
According to Shaun Powell of NBA.com, Porzingis doesn’t believe it’s fair to compare him to a legend like Nowitzki.
"“He’s a guy I’ve always looked up to. It’s not fair for me to be compared to a legend like him.”"
Porzingis’ comments come from a place of respect for what Nowitzki has been able to accomplish—not disdain for the comparison.
"“I mean, obviously it’s not easy to do that at a high level for so long,” Porzingis said. “Hopefully I can do the same. I’m my own player and there are some similarities, but to be honest I’m learning from him still.”“I’ve seen so many highlights of him, watched so much film on him,” he said. “I’ve watched how he has conducted himself and carried himself. He’s a good person to study.”"
Porzingis appreciates the comparison and understands the honor of it, but is more focused on learning as much as he can from the legendary power forward than becoming him.
Porzingis has made waves during his first two NBA seasons. In 2015-16, he became the first rookie in Association history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made.
During his sophomore campaign, he became the first player in Knicks history to record at least 100 blocks and 100 3-point field goals made.
Porzingis still has a long way to go before he enters Nowitzki’s tier of legends, but his early progress has earned the respect of the masses.
As for whom fans are comparing Porzingis to, Nowitzki is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He’s an MVP, an NBA champion, a Finals MVP, and a 12-time All-NBA honoree, as well as one of six players in NBA history to have scored at least 30,000 career points.
Porzingis has undeniable potential and a ceiling amongst the all-time greats, but what he seems to want is a reasonable measure of patience with his development.
For as exciting as it is to see the Knicks with a legitimate franchise player, that’s a fair request—especially as he continues to build upon every last measure of success.
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Whether or not Kristaps Porzingis and Dirk Nowitzki prove comparable long-term, the New York Knicks are in a good spot with a franchise player of this caliber.