Quite a few eyebrows were raised when the Dallas Mavericks traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards, and the Lativian is looking forward to his stint with the side in the upcoming season, especially playing with Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma.
Speaking to the press on a media day interview, Porzingis weighed in on playing alongside some of the established names on the roster and also about life after the trade. His numbers last year saw a bump after he donned the Wizards jersey averaging 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists over 17 games.
I think I’m a great fit next to Brad and Kuz. As I said, I’m here to help, here to help win games. I want to win. I’m going to do what’s necessary to win and that’s it. I’m looking forward to this year. I’m looking forward to exceeding expectations and making some noise.”
Porzingis Is More Comfortable In The East Coast
For the 27-year-old, the move to Washington was beneficial from a personal view as well. He was happy with the fact that everything was closer to him.
“Everything’s closer. For me in terms of my life, I’m more comfortable on the East Coast also because there’s a smaller time difference between here and back home – only seven hours, where for example if I’m in L.A. it’s 10 hours. So whenever I’m up everybody’s back at home sleeping.”
The Wizards failed to make the postseason last year, finishing 12th with a below-par 35-47 record. This time around, they will look to make amends. The franchise has picked up their 2023/24 team options for Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert, both on their rookie scale contracts, per Josh Robbins and Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Washington will open their campaign in an away fixture against the Indiana Pacers on October 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
