National Basketball Association

Former Lakers great James Worthy: Kristaps Porzingis is a 'freak of nature'

Published Jul. 13, 2015 4:03 p.m. ET

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It's always nice to hear one of the greats heap praise on you. Kristaps Porzingis can now relate to that.

During a Lakers broadcast, current team announcer and Hall of Fame player James Worthy had some kind words to say of the kid the Knicks selected fourth overall in this past June's draft. From Marc Berman of the New York Post:

The Knicks play their second summer league game Monday at 8:30 p.m. The game will be televised locally on MSG.

(H/t New York Post.)

After his 12-points-in-18-minutes showing against the Spurs in his Knicks debut Saturday, Worthy said on the Lakers broadcast: “He’s a freak of nature. He’s a combination of Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant. It’s a good pick for the Knicks.’’

Porzingis blocked two shots, stood his ground and drew fouls, getting to the line for seven free throws, making six. He’s been compared to Nowitzki and Pau Gasol before, but not so much Durant.

Dallas owner Mark Cuban, perhaps noting Porzingis’ strong grasp of English, said, “Dirk didn’t have any time to develop. He didn’t know the language, people were expecting him to have an impact right away. He got drafted ahead of Paul Pierce. He had no time to develop. [But] as far as the Knicks, I don’t care.’’