Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis Won't Play For Latvia In Olympics
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Kristaps Porzingis won't play for his native Latvia in this summer's Olympics, the Knicks star reportedly announced Monday.
The 7-foot-3-inch 20-year-old made the announcement in Latvia, the New York Post reported.
As expected Kristaps Porzingis won't play for Latvia in July's Olympic qualifier. Announced it at presser in native country today
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) May 2, 2016
After the Knicks' season concluded, Porzingis admitted he was conflicted about competing in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
"My heart is saying, 'You should go and play for your country. You should represent your country,'" he told reporters. "And at the same time, with my head, I'm understanding that it's a big offseason for me, and I want to really work individually."
Porzingis missed the final seven games of his rookie season with a shoulder injury. He averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.