The Original Unicorn: 2024 NBA Champion Journey in the League, and What Awaits in the Bay
As a 14-year-old, Kristaps Porzingis was athletically different from his competition. Growing up in the small European country of Latvia, Porzingis has already reached a height of six-foot-nine, making him stand out from the others on the court. His first opportunity came when he got recruited to play in Spain, and began his professional career in Sevilla. He stabilized his game there, and for three years, he continued to grow both physically and as a basketball player. When the time came for the 2015 NBA Draft, not many people in the United States knew of him. Scouts had done their research and saw his potential, but not following the traditional path of going to an American College made some people hesitant on rating Porzingis as a top-shelf talent.
However, there was one thing that no one could deny: his uniqueness. Porzingis became one of the first players who were above seven-feet tall, but whose size didn’t accurately define his skillset. Despite his height and length, Porzingis could shoot from beyond the arc, not on occasion but at will. How he would adjust to the physicality was a reasonable concern going into draft night, but at the fourth overall pick, the New York Knicks seized their opportunity regardless. Much to the dismay of their fans, the venue erupted with boos from unhappy fans, and at that moment, he began to realize the magnitude of playing for that franchise.
Over the next three years, Porzingis shone bright in New York. He won the All-Rookie First-Team in 2016 and even became an all-star in 2018. However, in that same year, his career was changed forever. After throwing down a dunk on fellow future European superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Porzingis landed on his left leg but immediately collapsed. He had just torn his ACL. As he recovered, his relationship with the team during contract negotiations in 2019 showed serious signs of disconnection, which led to the player requesting a trade. His wish was satisfied as the team traded him to the Dallas Mavericks, where he paired up with yet another European supertalent, Luka Doncic.
On paper, this fit seemed promising, as the Mavericks were on the market for a big man to couple with their young ball handler. However, health concerns began to arise once Porzingis tore his meniscus in Game Three of the “bubble playoffs” in 2020. He came back once again and played a great season, but tensions with the front office had also started to build up over disagreements about the player's role on the court. In 2022, Porzingis was traded yet again, this time to the WashingtonWizards. Though short, his time in Washington allowed him to mentally reset, since the team had no expectations and did not compete for a title.
It was then time for the Boston Celtics to take their chances with the ‘Latvian unicorn,’ but Porzingis was also ready for a real run towards a ring. In 2024, alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, he served as a key piece for the eventual NBA Champions. The former fourth overall pick had reached the pinnacle of his NBA journey, finally achieving his lifelong dream. Now at the age of 30, Porzingis seems determined for another run at the land of glory.
For that reason, he accepted a trade just before this year’s deadline to join the Golden State Warriors. He’s expected to debut for his new team after the NBA All-Star Break, as he nurses an issue that the Warriors want to be careful with. There’s a true reason for optimism in the Bay following this move, and one can only imagine how scary the ‘Dubs’ would’ve been if Jimmy Butler hadn’t sustained a torn ACL. Porzingis will serve as the top center option Stephen Curry has ever had in his 17 years with Golden State. Beyond that, this move gives incredible versatility for coach Steve Kerr and his playbook, given the dual-threat ability Porzingis possesses. The Warriors have now pushed all their chips in the middle and have set themselves up for the best shot possible at repeating their 2022 triumph.
