Al Horford and especially Kristaps Porzingis tried to change the image and style of interiors in the NBA. The first with his passing qualities and his desire to run in transition, the second with his 3-point shot so precise for a player of his size (2m20).
Until the end of the 2000s, a pivot was rarely asked to direct the game, shoot from afar or run with the backs in transition play. Players like Kevin Garnett were exceptions then.
“For both of us, KG was crucial because, at the time, we wanted the inside players to play close to the rim, to be present on the rebound and to do things in a very specific way,” entrusts the interior of Boston to The Athletic by mentioning Joakim Noah and Billy Donovan, his teammate and coach at Florida in the NCAA. “I see and play the game in a different way and Joakim is the same. We wanted to play fast, set the pace. Donovan let me do my thing while many were limited to certain boxes. »
The first modern “unicorn” of the NBA, Kristaps Porzingis quickly imposed his style in New York. He was ahead of his time and almost “behind” now. “Before me, there was Toni Kukoc, Dirk Nowitzki, greats who could do lots of things”compares the Latvian. “And this new generation has even crazier qualities and abilities. »
Players with a “full range”
In a few days, he and Al Horford have, for example, come up against Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, the two new and young monsters of the new generation.
“Their ability to score, the way they move,” lists the former Hawks on what is most striking about the two rookies. “With this size, they do some pretty incredible things. They have exterior qualities. We've seen this before, but I think they're different. » For what ? “They have the full range”replies Porzingis.
The former Wizards and Mavericks interior is full of praise when he talks about the Thunder interior, second in scorer and blocker among rookies this season.
“I like his state of mind. The way he plays shows that he is a hard worker and plays very hard,” he explains. “Honestly, I'm a little surprised. He's really good, really, and already effective in a very good team. It's serious and it's going to get even better. For a rookie, what surprises me is his efficiency. He has a bright future ahead of him if he continues like this. »
