J.R. Smith on Kristaps Porzingis: 'He could be something special'
J.R. Smith is always one to speak his mind. So, when Smith voiced his true thoughts on Knicks rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis, everyone knew to take him at his word. And Smith, like just about everyone else who has seen KP play, is already a fan, even after seeing him just one time at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
From ESPN's Ian Begley:
The Knicks play the Cavaliers at Madison Square on Friday, hoping to exact some revenge on the loss the Cavs pinned on New York last week.
Porzingis—who has been shooting, pulling down boards and making hustle plays at a rate even his largest supporters didn't expect—is averaging 11.6 points and 9.0 rebounds in 24.7 minutes a night heading into the game. He has been a wonder over his first nine career games, turning the putback dunk into his own, signature highlight.
Let's see if he can continue this into the Cavs game Friday.
“He’s better than I thought,” Smith said. “He’s tall as s--- too. I thought he was like a stiff or something … but when I [saw] him come to the Q it was like, ‘He could be something special. He could be the next Dirk.’ It’s just a matter of his work ethic, he’s still young. But if Dirk ever decides to take someone under his wing, and he takes him, he’s going to be a problem.”
