By Antonis Stroggylakis / astroggylakis@eurohoops.net
Jakarta, Indonesia – The best Latvian player on the planet couldn’t compete with the national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup but still traveled to be with his teammates, support and help them in any way he can.
“I don’t [help],” Latvian star Kristaps Porzingis joked after Eurohoops asked him how does he help in the team’s day-to-day activities. “I’m around the team. I try to give some tips from the guys that I know that play in the NBA. Of course try keep the spirits high for the games. To have good energy.”
In mid-August, Porzingis announced that he won’t be able to participate in Latvia’s first-ever World Championship tournament due to an ongoing plantar fasciitis issue. He still made the trip to Jakarta and has so far witnessed his national team punching a ticket to Round 2 while also eliminating mighty France.
“I just wanted to be with the team. I have a long season ahead of me, in Boston most likely. I want to spend more time with my teammates, my family back home.”
Even if that means, getting a bit of disrespected when people like Rodions Kurucs dunk on him during practice.
Kristaps Porzingis traveled to Jakarta to be with his teammates and help in Latvia practices only to get posterized by Rodions Kurucs as thanks
The level of disrespect 🤣 pic.twitter.com/cPm8FrBtZn
— Antonis Stroggylakis (@AStroggylakis) August 26, 2023
“I don’t remember what happened,” Porzingis said with a smile.
Watch the upcoming World Cup on the official streaming service of FIBA! Join Courtside 1891 and never miss a second of the action!
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL