From the hardwood to the octagon, Kristaps Porzingis has his eyes set on an inconceivable profession change.
The proficient 7’2″ massive man lately revealed his ardour for blended martial arts, and that he might even entertain that path as soon as his basketball profession involves an finish.
3
In an interview with Sporta Centrs, the Latvian massive man revealed his need to step into the octagon.
“MMA is a sport that may be very near my coronary heart,” Porzingis mentioned.
“Primary by way of viewing. It’s one thing that I’m enthusiastic about, which is why I made a decision to take part in a brand new MMA venture.
“Every little thing continues to be in progress – after we get nearer to the ultimate consequence, I will let you know extra.
“This summer time I performed a bit of tennis and padel tennis – superb sports activities in the summertime, particularly within the contemporary air. I’ve additionally tried my hand at MMA, however I promised one of many golf equipment I represented that I might not do it throughout my profession.
“I’m ‘saving up” to start out an MMA profession after basketball.”
The octagon wil’ have to attend for now, as Porzingis heads into his tenth season within the NBA.
Recent off being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks, Porzingis is presently extension eligible if Atlanta chooses to take action. If not, he’ll earn almost $31 million this season earlier than changing into a free agent subsequent summer time, in line for an additional massive payday.
In two seasons in Boston, Porzingis averaged 19.8 factors, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per recreation, whereas serving to lead the storied franchise to an NBA-record 18th title in 2024.
In his decade-long profession, Porzingis has earned nearly $205 million. He may retire at any level and be set for the remainder of his life, with out a second thought, however he clearly has larger plans for himself as soon as he places the basketball down.
3
3
The Hawks shall be hoping that is not anytime quickly, as they appear to contend within the Japanese Convention this season.
Porzingis, together with famous person Trae Younger, makes for a formidable duo. Consider Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu, and you’ve got a group that may contend within the East.
Porzingis battled an sickness all through the postseason in his ultimate weeks as a Celtic, that noticed him play poorly. Nonetheless, he has had a wholesome offseason and shall be seeking to be a serious contributor for the Hawks. He is able to remind everybody the kind of participant he’s.
He opened as much as Sports activities Studija and talked concerning the pleasure he has going into this yr and the way nice he presently feels.
“I really feel incredible, to be trustworthy,” Porzingis mentioned.
“I took time to relaxation after the season. One thing was lingering in the course of the playoffs—I had fatigue, dizziness, even moments the place I felt like I’d faint. It wasn’t nice.
NBA’s Biggest
“In June, I absolutely rested and lowered the depth. All of that has gone away. I haven’t felt any of the playoff signs anymore. I really feel nice.”
He then spoke concerning the alternative that awaits him in Atlanta.
“I feel expectations are excessive,” Porzingis continued.
“Atlanta’s been on the sting of the playoffs the previous couple of years, generally getting by way of the primary spherical. It’s an excellent scenario for me to return in and contribute. Possibly even higher than Boston, the place it was championship or bust.”
If Atlanta can get what Boston bought out of Porzingis, which is a world championship, then they are going to be more than pleased.
And who is aware of, possibly after ring No. 2 Porzingis will discover his method to the octagon.