Playing in the New York Knicks with an NBA star like Carmelo Anthony would perhaps be a dream come true for most rookie players. However, that is not the case for some, especially for rookie player of the New York Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis.
Even though he has been playing with Melo for quite some time since he was drafted by Phil Jackson and the Knicks, Porzingis' heart seems to be belonging somewhere else. According to sportsworldnews, Porzingis stated that, "My favorite player growing up was Kobe. The Lakers were my team and I still love him." Now that statement would serve as a hint for the Lakers, especially if this young player would emerge as a Kobe material someday.
The desire of Porzingis to play along with Kobe would indeed be exciting if actualized, especially if Kobe is still the Kobe we used to watch during his prime. However, with the decline of his game, Kobe announced his retirement. In a letter Kobe made, the "Black Mamba" stated that, "But I can't love you obsessively for much longer. This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind but my body knows it's time to say goodbye." Thus, we would only be seeing the two playing along perhaps in a computer game.
It is really touching to see a legend make his last season in the NBA. However, fans would have to move forward, likewise the younger generation of players. Porzingis in particular would have to make a name for himself while he is still to enter his prime. The young Latvian player would have to try and prove the expectations of the people around him, especially that the mentor of his idol, Phil Jackson, sees something in him.
Now it is still a long way ahead for KP to be like his idol. However, with the guidance of the former mentor of Kobe, Phil, things will be brighter for Porzingis. With the acquisition of Porzingis, headed by Phil Jackson, it only goes to show that greatness indeed attracts greatness.
The possibility of this young player transferring to Lakers and following his dream would still be there as he continue to carve his name in the NBA. Guess we would just have to wait for it to happen or not.
