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KP
Basketball Biography

Kristaps Porziņģis

“KP/Unicorn”

Latvian · Liepāja, Latvia · Born 2 August 1995

Center / Power Forward
2024
n b a title
4th (2015)
draft pick
7ft 3in
height
Latvian
nationality

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Unicorn Latvian big man whose shot-blocking and three-point shooting make him one of the most unique and dynamic centers in the modern NBA.

Kristāps Porziņģis was born in Sērenē, Latvia on 2 August 1995. At 7ft 3in tall with the shooting range of a guard, Porziņģis is genuinely one of the most unusual players the NBA has ever seen. The fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, he became an immediate sensation — blocking shots at the rim while draining three-pointers at the other end. He was traded to Dallas Mavericks in 2019, then joined Washington Wizards and then Boston Celtics in 2023. Despite persistent knee and lower-body injuries hampering his availability, when fit he is one of the NBA's most impactful players on both ends. He won the NBA Championship with the Celtics in 2024. For Latvia and internationally he is a national hero who has also starred at EuroBasket and the World Cup.

Famous For

7'3" versatile big man who can shoot threes and block shots

Playing Style

How They Played

Stretch big man with elite shot-blocking and perimeter shooting

Legacy

Lasting Impact

First Latvian NBA champion, revolutionized center position

Best Known For

NBA Champion 2024

He is arguably the best shot-blocking three-point shooter in NBA history — a 7ft 3in center who routinely drains pull-up threes while also averaging over two blocks per game when healthy.

Did You Know?
Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • NBA Champion 2024
Career Journey

Timeline

2015 📌 NBA Draft 4th overall pick by New York Knicks
2016 🥇 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection
2018 🎯 First NBA All-Star Game selection
2019 📌 Traded to Dallas Mavericks
2023 📌 Traded to Boston Celtics
2024 🏆 NBA Championship with Boston Celtics
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Kristaps Porziņģis

His combination of 7ft 3in height, shot-blocking ability and guard-like three-point shooting is so rare it defies conventional basketball categories — there has never been quite another player like him.

The NBA Championship in 2024, though injuries limited his availability during the postseason run.

Yes — lower-body and knee injuries have repeatedly sidelined him throughout his career, limiting the number of games he plays and preventing him from reaching his full potential consistently.

Kristāps Porziņģis was born on 2 August 1995 in Sērenē, Latvia.

New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics.

Career Timeline — Kristaps Porziņģis
2015
NBA Draft 4th overall pick by New York Knicks
2016
NBA All-Rookie First Team selection
2018
First NBA All-Star Game selection
2019
Traded to Dallas Mavericks
2023
Traded to Boston Celtics
2024
NBA Championship with Boston Celtics
NBA Champion 2024