Kristaps Porzingis: Becoming the modern-day Dirk Nowitzki
By Eric Snyder
Work hard, play hard
Every NBA player that lasts longer than a few seasons works on their game year-round. The 19-year career of Dirk Nowitzki continues because of the continuous work he puts into his body and his on-court skills.
From all indications, Kristaps Porzingis has been working the entire offseason on his body and his game. The time spent working out and learning from Dirk this week is something he will never forget. The mere experience of being a sponge around Nowitzki is invaluable to any player, including Porzingis. Marc Berman of the New York Post quotes Porzingis:
"“We were just competing, shooting, doing a little bit of shooting drills,’’ Porzingis said. “I want to learn as much as I can from him. (I’m) asking him questions all the time. I’m happy I’m able to spend some time with him.’’"
Porzingis clearly has a solid work ethic and professional attitude early on in his career. The real benefit of his time with Nowitzki is seeing how hard Dirk works 19 years in.
Most any NBA player on their first contract will strive to prove himself. Yet, the greatness of Dirk is that he has not stopped working for almost two decades.
Porzingis has been on professional club teams since he was 15 years old. Seeing and being around a professional environment in the formational years of adulthood surely made an impression on him. If he aims to emulate the career of Nowitzki, his work ethic must only improve from here.
The longevity and sustained greatness of Dirk Nowitzki is a tangible goal for Kristaps Porzingis. Obsessive workout tendencies helped make Dirk into a Hall of Fame-worthy player. What else can Porzingis learn from Dirk?