Kristaps Porzingis On Career Regrets, The Knicks Trade, Luka Doncic, Winning In Boston and More

We are super psyched to welcome in JJ's former teammate and current member of The Boston Celtics. In this interview, KP opens up about a lot of things so be sure to tune in. We'll get right into it!
Topics include: JJ breaks down the play of Tyrese Haliburton in the NBA In-Season Tournament. Then we welcome in Kristaps Porzingis to talk about the card games he and JJ used to play on The Dallas Mavericks. Then KP talks about his growth with The Washington Wizards and his improved defense, why he's excited to be a part of this Boston Celtics team and why he feels things didn't work out with Luka Doncic and The Dallas Mavericks. He then recounts the Mavs / Clippers series in which Rick Carlisle told him to stand in the corner and how these moments helped with his growth and maturity as a professional athlete. He then talks about growing up in Latvia and getting drafted by The New York Knicks and knowing that he would get hate on draft night. He obviously talks about Tingus Pingus too. He then gets into the rocky leadership during his time and why he regrets asking for a trade. And finally KP talks about playing with guys like Al Horford, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Let's go!
0:00 Intro
1:23 JJ breaks down the play of Tyrese Haliburton in the NBA In-Season Tournament
7:14 Kristaps Porzingis joins the show
8:35 Why he chose Boston and first impressions of the Celtics
17:41 KP's improved offense and defense, and year in Washington
23:51 Luka and his time in Dallas
33:30 KP's pre-NBA career
39:39 Getting drafted to the Knicks and his Knicks career
46:29 The Knicks trade: What happened?
50:05 Playing for a title, Al Horford, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum
Subscribe to The Old Man and The Three podcast w/ JJ Redick (ESPN / First Take) and Tommy Alter KZbin channel today for more NBA analysis, player interviews and highlights.
#nba #kristapsporzingis #bostonceltics

[@JJRedick]

Shoutout KP for opening up. Also, the live premiere chat was a trip lol. Thanks for watching and please subscribe to our channel if you haven't already.

[@zTimmyz0244]

Kp the man. My favorite player in Boston. I hope he stay healthy and bring my team championship

[@adidzis]

Hi, greetings from another Latvian basketball fan. This is the first podcast from you I've been watching. I find it very professional and interesting. Subscribed now and looking for more in future! Respect and thanks for great job you've done!

[@JJRedick]

@@adidzis Hey welcome to the channel. Thanks for subscribing. Cheers.

[@mikus20]

Shoutout from from Latvia, great podcast, been listening for a while now. You've got a new subscriber from far away smalll country of Latvia. Cheers.

[@TheGreatestJediOfAllTime]

@@adidzisI hate Boston with a passion since I’m a lakers fan, but Ive been rooting for KP ever since he got booed on draft night by those knicks fans

[@adap2848]

KP is literally my fav basketball player ever and the only reason that I got into the NBA, can’t wait for the episode. Thank you JJ

[@MatthewBreck]

Respect I’ve never heard anyone say this before

[@reynaldi2297]

Respect bro. You Latvian?

[@adap2848]

@reynaldi2297 nah man just rlly love KPs game

[@adap2848]

@@MatthewBreck thx

[@reynaldi2297]

@@adap2848 that's even better. He's found a new home in Boston. Hope he stays there and wins the ultimate prize

[@T8_Koan]

The smile when he was answering the Luka question says it all 🤣

[@nikkrelj471]

It would be actually nice to know what went on. Because thr answers he gave were very generic

[@89itis]

@@nikkrelj471both were immature, Luka still seems immature actually

[@Shortballa11]

@@nikkrelj471I mean he basically said it. It was ego or as JJ referred to "pissing contest". Luka also getting preferential treatment as the example about "crying" showed. They were both young guns and Porsingis told he has to go to the corner. They were still figuring out who the big dog was and it caused a riff.

[@luisgonzalez-bf7qw]

⁠@@Shortballa11the mavs messed it up with the preferential treatment but I mean luka was and still is better than KP

[@Shortballa11]

@@luisgonzalez-bf7qwYea bt KP didnt know that at the time. They both were young KP was coming back from injury and wasnt quite sure what he was capable of. It happens

[@itsm0ttzy]

Dude JJ is the man. This has become one of my fav basketball related podcast.

[@YetiCoolBrother]

Gil & JJ the best out easy

[@brianengler1229]

He is damn natural at this job and his eye and love for the game absolutely shines!

[@edwardnigma4087]

@@YetiCoolBrother100% Gill And JJ’s are the best out as far as basketball. I give JJ the slight edge because he goes in depth with everything and you learn so much. Plus Gil has to somehow get rid of McCants, lol!

[@zoranmarkovic1123]

You're right, this is one of the better basketball podcasts for me too, I like that he has a good critical mind and can evaluate other players in an honest and realistic way. In a fun and pleasant way, he tries to get an answer from the player about some high-profile event that happened on the field or off it, and never in a way that would object to the guest and put him in an uncomfortable position, as well as not those that are being discussed.

[@vojtechnovotny5624]

KP is very well spoken. Fun times listening to his perspective.

[@NotYoussefA]

KP has been a revelation for the Celtics. The biggest thing has been his 2-man game with JB, and has helped him be a better playmaker. Of course, there’s the elite rim protection and great shooting and post play. Hopefully this is the year for the Celtics and Banner 18

[@ramzeezthamightygod]

I love what this team has been doing and they’ve already played some beautiful basketball, but I just know that there’s another level of ridiculous playmaking they can unlock and KP is a huge part of that. We’ve all seen it… it’s just a matter of consistency and connectivity

[@Treday313]

CELTICS WIN CHAMPION SHIP

[@chuckhauser6336]

I remember KP rocking MSG & the fans going absolutely crazy, those were some great times & I’ve been a fan of his ever since.

[@marinetigurki]

Paldies par šo sarunu, JJ!

[@cvgodd1432]

KP is the man, dude always has fun on the court. Joking around and laughing, dunking on people and blocking people lol. I love having him in Boston and I wish he could’ve played vs Pacers. We look like the best team on earth when he’s on the floor!

[@krlllmn]

Getting KP is the best thing this season for my Celtics. 💯☘️

[@BabylonGateLA]

Lets go LAKERS 💛💜💛💜

[@imhong28]

Jrue Holiday too

[@jordanrivera294]

KP is the GOAT.. nice kid when he was in NY met him once or twice and just an awesome basketball player

[@GoBoSox20]

Can't wait to see him get back on the court. He's been such a great addition to the C's.

[@varjag]

KP is lucky playing in GARDEN for Knicks and now in TD GARDEN playing for Boston, must be awesome to play for these two teams.

[@suavenanave9468]

The original unicorn. 🦄We needed this. Thank you JJ.

[@honorablemention614]

Really appreciated KP's respectfulness towards the NYK organization/his Knicks experience, just shows the maturity he alluded to. That org during his time was a hot mess, to put it lightly.

[@GatisFreimanis]

NBA and America in general should take in to the account that KP comes from different culture where criticizing and speaking ill in public where person is not present is almost tabu as a default and in sports even more stricter. If you want to play the team comes first. If you cant set aside your ego you just don't play.

[@JohnnyBGoode-gh5ip]

THEN WHY FANS DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT AND DO NOT RESPECT KP!? (:

[@GatisFreimanis]

@@JohnnyBGoode-gh5ip Of which fans do you speak? European fans respect and understand him. It is ethnocentric, uneducated American fans problem. KP is a cherry on top. But you still need decent dessert in first place. Cherry will not save you if you don't have one in long run.

[@JohnnyBGoode-gh5ip]

@@GatisFreimanis NY Knicks fans. They watch those players like an objects standing from seats and booing someone who achieved something in his life, their attitude is pathetic. :) KP great men, great player!

[@esbuenodun]

He knew what he had in NYC. The love was real, the divorce was ugly. The only way back to good graces in The City was him walking a humble path, admitting things went bad on his side (and Knicks). I swore I’d never forgive, but here I am walking it back. He’s matured immensely and I’m happy for him. Keep balling KP! (damn I can’t believe I typed that)

[@ragingsavage9059]

Y’all weren’t putting nothing around Him and then expect him to just carry that franchise that was just looking to capitalize on the marketability. So hell yea he wanted out. I’m glad when he Came back the first game as a Celtic (funny in itself) and y’all were scree F Porzingis he basically Iced the game on y’all. Y’all struck gold with Brunson only because his dad works there.

[@Codyduncan3333]

We literally built a team for him. Drose, Courtney Lee. Melo and Noah. Yes there were injuries but that team was built for kp

[@GurtonBuster07]

⁠@@Codyduncan3333LMFAOOOOOOOOOO mf said d rose Courtney lee and Noah 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😭 knicks fans mane you can’t be serious

[@Djordjevicc]

​@@GurtonBuster07 it looks ridiculous now lmao but at the time D Rose was balling in the playoffs against the Cavs and Noah was a DPOY not that long ago. They f'd up massively in hindsight (even though Noah was still an overpay at the time) but they did try to surround KP with talent. Then later on they had that high pick that would become RJ and they hoped for some big name in FA to play with KP but it was already too late.

[@lifeonthelake4367]

​​@@Djordjeviccrose was shot kid, so was Noah. You gonna have Noah shoot free throws. He was done as well.

[@abbaselkordy7032]

Scorzingus 🦄 we miss you in the big apple

[@Sirx1K1K]

As a Wizards fan i was so happy when KP was playing for us. the first time in my lifetime (born in ‘00) that one of my favorite players was playing for my favorite team. I really appreciate how he seemingly values his time in Washington, the way he describes the time here sounds like he values it as a time that allowed him to grow as a player, and we are a horrible team so im really happy he found a way to see his time with our team in a positive way, because nothing around him gave him a reason to

[@Emilsdemils]

one of the best KP interviews i have ever seen. Having to talk to a former teammate he really opened up... KP needs the ring...

[@hoopla4784]

I'm so hyped for this as a cetlics and mavs fan

[@Fent-]

Niggas be fans of two teams 😭😭😭

[@-justin-4077]

@@Fent-yes Chad, you can like two teams

[@BabylonGateLA]

@@-justin-4077I like the Lakers, Warriors, Nuggets, Cowboys, Yankees. That is okay right?

[@nerdiestvengiest5858]

@@Fent- I was born a Celtics fan, but moved to Orlando, FL when I was 11 years old. I ended up being a fan of both for some time. I'm mostly a Celtics fan, and moving back to Massachusetts may have had some influence there, but I still have some hope for that Magic franchise. Unless they're playing the Celtics lol

[@hoopla4784]

@@Fent- you probably like men, and that's okay. Just be a lil more confident in yourself bozo

[@beerme8949]

KP is an absolute great addition to Celtics. Seems like a perfect fit. Hope he can at least stay relatively healthy, especially to see him in playoffs. Seems like a cool chill guy aswell.

[@austinhenkel3569]

As a Boston fan. I needed this dude. He’s such a fun guy

[@bezvids]

Greetings from Latvia

[@chrisscott195]

JJ was meant for this. Been one of my favs since he started!

[@checkthapain]

I like the chemistry on the court so far between KP and JB. Both seem to know where the other is at, a lot of good backdoor cuts and lobs. Looking forward to seeing that grow throughout the season. Stay healthy KP!

[@phantom_isle]

man i wish i was a KP fan before he came to the celts. guy is awesome on and off the court. im just glad I get to be a fan now

[@-justin-4077]

KP is him. You can tell in the games he’s been out the Celtics are the same team who can’t get over the hump. With him, they are unstoppable.

[@NMxCrazySkills]

Kp is ballin in Boston! He looks like he did in NY! A true unicorn!!! Hope he can stay healthy because he’s a perfect fit there and think they will win the championship.

[@ottovitins6005]

Surprised he didnt mention the presence of his older brother when they talk about New York stuff. His brother was a professional player in Europe before KP got to the NBA. They lived together in New York for some time. When he says "I just didnt care", it was 100% the calming presence of his older brother, the advice and so on. Its impossible otherwise to deal with that stuff alone and not go crazy from spotlight when you are that young.

[@KarpralisLup]

His family plays a huge factor to what type of player he is now.

[@Miks_Petersons]

Godzingis interview. Stay blessed JJ

[@2Less0is0More2]

Always been a KP fan. Mans got serious game

[@cvgodd1432]

Crazy how I predicted KP coming to Boston. Last season we played the Wizards and he absolutely torched us with his mid range. They won that game and I kept telling myself “man KP would be perfect for Boston! I think they’re going to get him!”. Some months later, we sign KP!! I just hope Mazzulla uses him the right way during the playoffs. He needs to shoot more mid range shots and I think he needs to learn a hook shot. It’s automatic when you’re that tall and very hard to stop. Just like Jokic does! It really bothers me because I’m 6ft but I play like a big man. The hook shot is so easy for me to hit so I get so mad when y’all players don’t even try it lol.

[@andrewabraham5109]

Man, i think JJ Redick is one of the smartest guys that I've ever heard specifically how he analyzes the game of basketball and i really appreciate that. ❤

[@christophercudiamat5695]

kp porzingod. always rooting for him since rookie year

[@roneteus]

As a Baltic Bro and a Mavs fan, I'm really happy KP got his groove back. He deserves it.

[@JonnySlider]

KP's description of growing up with the darkness and weather during winter in Latvia sounds a whole like lot like New England. He should feel right at home in Boston. 😆

[@heyitsgurm3509]

I always watch these while at work. Cant wait JJ

[@RockStampPAS]

I think JJ's podcast career may overcome his excellent nba career at some point. Love listening in. Good work JJ.

[@johnplacca4746]

I wish he was still a Knick, this was an awesome interview

[@bones3142]

Great episode. Would love to see Jaylen Brown on the podcast. Based on his interviews, he has a lot of insight into lots of different topics, with basketball and outside of it

[@akeembell6384]

He's been on before

[@RussellReviewerFJV]

@@akeembell6384I don’t think he has a lot of Celtics been on in recent years hopefully he’s next

[@Enlightened_SpursFan]

The way they look around perfectly in sync when the lights dim is hilarious 😭

[@tanveerbal3678]

Na, KP could say a lot more about those situations if he wanted to, but I think he's holding back since he's an active player and doesn't want his comments to affect his future (say the Knicks or Mavs want him back later). Dude just wants to win. Once he's retired or closer to retirement, I think he's gonna be more open and detailed about the stuff that went on during his Knicks and Mavs stints.

[@ingusp5631]

also I think there will be a book by him where he can reveal this eventually, if he tells it all now, then what secrets will he reveal in the book ?

[@vilchinsnr1]

I can tell you there will be one, because, he's almost a national treasure, all you have to do is learn latvian 😂

[@bandjolyn]

I so wanted him to work out in Dallas. He was injured and couldn't get back to his old form. Carlisle was the exact wrong coach for him and Luka too.

[@Fent-]

People see a guard and a big and automatically think they will fit. Sticking KP in the corner is complete malpractice.

[@jdankerdake]

Personal responsibility… maturation… how refreshing.

[@ElReyCaballero]

I loved this line of questioning, I feel like he held back a lot on his answers. I understand though, no need stirring the pot or saying something negative, when it’s all in the past. I feel like the Knicks did him wrong, I am lifetime Knicks fan, and I wish it would’ve worked out with him. Could’ve built around his skillset.

[@jonbasumatary5317]

Kp really is the unicorn we never saw somethin like this

[@christopherperkins1733]

Cant wait for KP to be back in service. He adds so much to the team. Amazing fit and a long overdue ideal situation for him.

[@KCcanSing]

You’re with us now! Celtics Pride!

[@mcaluag]

As a Knicks fan, I loved Porzingis and his drafting. I hated that he wanted to leave and it still stings.

[@thedojomusicgroup7891]

What could have been with him! The hype of the unicorn was intense. Was supposed to be him and melo as an unstoppable floor spacing wing/big! Didn’t work out how we wanted +injuries. Def sad:/

[@DavidColon-nm9zo]

Comig from a nyer this guy was awesome coming into the league, shout out jj also this podcast is so great just pure ball knowledge no hype/pretentiousness appreciate it jj

[@tonylouis6072]

Outside of the injury Porzingis has been the gift that has kept giving. I hear he'll back soon because him vs Wemby later this month is the matchup I'm most hyped for this year

[@TJVFinland]

what a great podcast...awesome episodes..greetings from Finland

[@MistaDvN]

Awesome interview..KP will be the piece to get Celtics to that next level ...as long as he's healthy ..

[@geordiejones5618]

Never expected him to be in Boston. I thought we missed out on KD in 2016 and could have battled it out with Lebron and Steph and Kawhi, and since 2018 I've been waiting for the right set up for Tatum and Brown. KP and Jrue really feel like they can be that with White and Horford. Just wanna see the Celtics back on top and I hope Brad and Joe are patient with this team, but I also understand why they feel they have to win now.

[@funkiam9214]

JJ thx for bringing Kristaps great pod!Greetings from Europe

[@RussellReviewerFJV]

Love watching KP play, can’t wait for the future buddy road-trip comedy starring Jaylen Brian and Tingus-Pingus

[@rarara2016]

Interesting, great guy

[@jourdansarpy4935]

On the Unicorn topic, I remember the first time I saw Kristaps play in the NBA. I thought Kevin Durant was it in terms of what a basketball player could be but KP really did look like he was a mythical creature being that tall and that athletic.

[@jromb0Productions]

Go Celtics!

[@graham2977]

Wizards legend

[@89itis]

KP’s immaturity and ego was his biggest enemy. Nice to see him grow.

[@dimsimus]

Kristaps, baby!

[@ethanhresko5211]

You were genuinely one of my favorite players in the league(like actually believe it or not) and I’ve been watching the pod since the bubble, thanks for getting my Celtics on

[@abbaselkordy7032]

I believe you in JJ. Get my man to a milli!

[@GlueGuy20]

18:50 translation: My teammate is a ball hog who dribbles for a very long time 😂 I believe you KP, I saw all that. Still seeing it today. 🙂

[@Dominators777]

So true 😂

[@ahmaddavis6352]

My favorite sports podcast hands down. I would love to meet JJ out here in Brooklyn one day!

[@samwalsh1439]

Subscribed JJ. Best of luck getting to 1 million

[@alvarosalmeron05]

Come back to Spain we miss you ❤❤ Vuelve a españa 😂🎉

[@JohnnyBGoode-gh5ip]

Keep goin' KP! Thanks for the interview. I do not understand why Knicks fans do not respect KP cuz he truly respects organization itself but it was not all his fault why he left, it's obvious that KP loves New York. I wish I will see someday something truly great from Knick fans respecting him for respect he gives to New York despite all complications in the Knicks organization at that time.

[@JohnnyBGoode-gh5ip]

@@lottauk8022 Sure, all that booing shows that. (:

[@JohnnyBGoode-gh5ip]

@@lottauk8022 What kind of express respect is that?

[@supersprites4]

This is awesome!

[@sdfsd1asada632]

Thanks JJ for asking international players about their upbringing in their countries, by far the most interesting part of the interview.

[@garolehmejian6052]

I have been a fan of Kristaps since draft night. Yes, he was not welcomed by many Knick fans, including Stephen A Smith, but Kristaps did prove them wrong with his exciting, Unicorn like play in no time at all. He was not this soft European player that will have little to offer to a team any time soon.. Was so exciting to watch him play. He is a 7'3 offensive juggernaut and is a very good defensive player now. It should be noted that it did not take too long before Stephen A. Smith had changed his initial impression of KP and offered an apology on the air. I think that showed real professionalism... To admit to a wrong! Happy to see him in Boston now with an opportunity to win a championship. The guy is a difference maker and is proving to be a good fit on Boston's very talented starting line up. KP carries himself well. Excellent interview JJ!

[@alexdz788]

this looks like a good one ! as Usual tho ! Keep it JJ, enjoying your pod since day 1 from Spain

[@ChidOki]

Was KP’s English always this good? I haven’t listened to an interview of his probably since he was a rookie, so I don’t remember.

[@peteviksnins4656]

I love when they throw him a question in Spanish. Still waiting for a Latvian reporter to rock up.

[@petmen657]

​@@peteviksnins4656there are many where he speaks in latvian. just google - intervija ar Kristapu Porziņği

[@jessecombs536]

Can’t believe you almost have a mil subs I started watching two years ago when you had Iggy on the show what a grind, thank you for being you jj!

[@1stJKiddPointGodRep]

Boston and Dallas sounds like a crazy finales!

[@user-ze6ns9pq2y]

That’d be fun. Esp w G williams wilin

[@John_doAll]

Blockzingis. Great interview.

[@robbonner]

Epic interview JJ. I hope KP gets a chip.

[@zoranmarkovic1123]

This basketball podcasts is one of the best for me, I like that JJ Redick has a good critical mind and can evaluate other players in an honest and realistic way. In a fun and pleasant way, he tries to get an answer from the player about some high-profile event that happened on the field or off it, and never in a way that would object to the guest and put him in an uncomfortable position, as well as not those that are being discussed.

[@vittiriowashington5211]

He's very diplomatic with players

[@Wetwallz_45OT]

I didn’t know KP was swaggy like that

[@kristapspuisans1600]

Like this podcast and interview with KP my hometown boy was great! Celtics is KP team

[@MikeSwipe]

Lot of Celtics players hoping on podcasts this year, I’m loving it

[@nerdiestvengiest5858]

Excellent pod, as usual. I ❤tingus pingus! LFG ☘!!!

[@brennanesposito827]

Thank you

[@OckdaGod1]

Saving this to watch later when I get home from work with a spliff.

[@123marvs123]

Having and elite season yes, superstar is crazy !!

[@14kixx]

JJ is having so much fun doing podcasts😊 its just a joy to listen. And he is talking real basketball not some espn bs.

[@TrankDuo7]

Love the podcast and glad to see KP come on, though I still wish JJ had joined the Celtics staff.

[@lotto7720]

Great interview top 5 for sure

[@KmtS9]

I'ma end up saying this on every single interview video, but it's the truth: BEST NBA podcast/interview channel, hands down. There's a lot of other really good ones as well, but JJ and his team just know how to balance serious and funnier topics, as well as life and basketball topics. Wade and Nash are my favorite basketball players of all time, but if I could only pick 1 NBA player I could meet and talk to, I think it'd have to be JJ. And shout out to KP for opening up as much as he comfortably could. Never easy to admit past mistakes but as we see with him, what's important is learning and growing from those mistakes. And look, everyone is young and extra headstrong in their lives, and being a professional athletes exponentially makes all that more complicated. In this day and age of instant news and information, always a good thing to take a breath and step back, before passing on opinions and judgment. Gotta remember that people *can* change. So thank you to JJ, and all these other podcasts, for giving these players a chance to show their human side.

[@rob_008_4]

Love my glorious king porzingis 🥰

[@RuslansGelbis]

We love you KP! :) Ar mīlestību no Latvijas!

[@eduardorogel1243]

Crazy I was at the Memphis game mentioned tough loss on the road

[@familiaraspects61]

Fire!!

[@iamrentrey]

Top G

[@1stJKiddPointGodRep]

... But I've always loved KP, Obviously before I knew of a Luka. Good luck KP! YOU DESERVE A CHAMPIONSHIP!

[@Hitsquad25]

Got to give JJ his credit he asks the best questions out of all the other nba podcasters

[@uzi978]

He's a fantastic fit on the Celtics, really makes their offensive so dynamic, but it's always going to be about availability. I can sit here and say Oh the Celtics would have at least gone to Vegas in the IST if he Porzingus was playing, but because he was hurt, we'll never know. I just hope he and the rest of his teammates are healthy for the playoffs. I don't think the Celtics can win big games without him.

[@jondoe5305]

Boutta hit the million subscribers

[@honeybadger1325]

Its been a minute since we were sipping wine on the pod