Kristaps Porzingis returned to DC for the first time since being traded to the Boston Celtics in the offseason. Although the Celtics had their way with the Wizards, there was nothing but love for the “unicorn.”
Fans greeted him with applause as he stepped on the court to join his new team in a showdown with his former teammates. With all the changes that the Wizards have implemented since Michael Winger and Will Dawkins took the helm, there were not many familiar faces left from the Washington Wizards team Porzingis is used to playing with.
However, he did catch up with some good friends that are left after the game. Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma, and Deni Avdija shared laughs and conversation in the hallway as Porzingis headed to his postgame media availability.
The ‘unicorn’ did not let his media obligations stop him from engaging in a lengthy banter with both players. When he finally made it into the press conference, he shared some thoughts on being back in DC and the relationships he still shares with Kuzma and Avdija.
“It felt good. As I said in the morning, good emotions remembering all the relationships I have from here and even now just talking to Kuz and Deni outside, we have that type of bond,” Porzingis said. “I don’t think we’re ever going to lose it. When we see each other after five years, it’s going to be the same banter. From the player side and everybody here, just a lot of great relationships. This was home for a year and a half so definitely good, good memories here.”
Kyle Kuzma shared similar sentiments: “KP, he’s such a great dude. He left a lasting impact on me just being so easygoing, relaxed and chill. A lot of time for me, I’m very uptight and stressed when I’m playing basketball. He made a huge impact here. He was a great locker room guy. Everybody loved him. I’m happy for him. He has a chance to do something he really wants to do in his career. He’s never had that opportunity to play for a contending type of team. He fits in seamlessly over there.”