All-Star 2016

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All-Star All-Access: Melo and Porzingis Rep The Knicks In Toronto

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All-Star Postgame: Melo On Toronto, Kobe, and The Final 27 Games

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Jonah Ballow

Friday night’s event for Kristaps Porzingis felt like an appetizer to the main dish.  The opportunity to represent the Knicks in the Rising Stars game was certainly an honor for the 20-year old but he is targeting a much loftier goal – to reach the marquee game on Sunday night.

“In the future, I want to be part of that event, obviously.  I’m looking forward to coming back one year as an All-Star,” Porzingis stated on Friday following the Rising Stars contest in Toronto.

The No. 4 overall pick faced adversity from the moment he was drafted by the Knicks when fans booed the selection on draft night.  Through 54 games this season, Porzingis has answered the critics while showcasing an array of skills that could redefine the position.  The elite players around the league have noticed Porzingis’ electrifying game, including the man that coined the nickname, the Unicorn for the rookie.

“I just thought it was rare for a guy who could shoot the ball that quickly with that precision as a 7-3 guy that can run and jump and block shots, so I think that’s rare,“ 7-time All-Star Kevin Durant proclaimed.

Entering Friday’s Rising Stars contest, Porzingis boasted the second highest double-double total among rookies and first in blocked shots.  He’s averaging 13.9 points per game and shooting 35 percent from downtown on 3.2 attempts per game.  The big man has also proved to be a force on the glass by averaging 7.7 rebounds per contest.

“Oh, he can play,” Anthony Davis smiled when Knicks.com asked about the potential for Porzingis.  “I know he got a lot of scrutiny from the New York fans when they first got him but I see they are starting to realize he can play.  He can shoot it, he can handle it, post moves, defend, so he has the full package.”

Aside from the raw numbers, Porzingis possesses that rare “it” factor, a similar trait found in most of the players suiting up in All-Star jerseys on Sunday night.  His magnetic personality, million-dollar smile, and natural sense of humor are all ingredients for a superstar in the NBA.  Carmelo Anthony’s close friend and 9-time All-Star Chris Paul lauded Porzingis’ basketball abilities. 

“I like him.  A lot of times people see all those dunks he catches off the rim and thinks that he is 7-feet that’s easy but that actually takes a knack for the ball, for the game, and stuff like that, so I think he has very promising future.  From talking to Melo…Melo likes him a lot too,” Paul revealed. 

Anthony was on hand to witness Porzingis’ prolific second half in the Rising Stars game where he scored 21 of his 30 on 12-of-16 shooting from the floor.  He also connected on 5-of-7 shots from deep, snatched five boards, and dished our four assists. No. 7 could see a scenario where the two Knicks join forces on the grand stage.

“Hopefully man, that’s the goal,” Anthony said.  “The way that he is going I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing him on Sunday in the big game.”

It’s not a pipe dream for the Knicks phenom to reach next year’s marquee event in Charlotte.  Porzingis finished sixth in the voting for Eastern conference frontcourt players this year and he’s quickly becoming a household name.  The fans, All-Stars around the league, and his All-Star teammate shared their praise and expect Porzingis to reach the midseason showcase in the not too distant future.

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All-Stars Praise Porzingis and His Pursuit To Join Them

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All-Star Gallery: Carmelo Anthony

Melo's Saturday All-Star Media Availability: "This Is Drake's Town"

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Rising Stars Postgame: 1-on-1 with Porzingis

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Kristaps Porzingis showcased his versatile and explosive offensive game in the first marquee event of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.  As Knicks fans have witnessed this season, Porzingis does not shy away from the bright lights.  On Friday night, New York’s prized rookie poured in 21 of his 30 points in the second half as the World Team just fell short 157-154.

“When you have guys around you that talented it’s easy to play," Porzingis stated.  "They always find you, they know where you are at, so it was fun to play against guys that are my age and as talented or even more talented than me and we were able to find each other and connect right away.”

Porzingis' remarkable skillset was on full display in a game where he connected on 12-of-16 shots from the field and 5-of-7 behind the arc.  The 7-3 Latvian added five rebound and four dimes to his box score line.

The 20-year old plans on taking a break from the NBA grind with a vacation with his family following Friday’s contest.

All‑Star 2016