NBA: Kristaps Porzingis jeered by Knicks' fans on his MSG return, gets hostile reception

New York Knicks fans did not give Dallas Mavericks forward and former Knicks player Kristaps Porzingis a warm welcome when he returned to play against the Knicks at the Madison Square Garden, New York on Thursday night (EST). The crowd chanted 'KP sucks' as Porzingis played. According to NBA reports, some fans also yelled 'traitor' during the national anthem and asked Porzingis to return to Latvia. 

NBA news: Kristaps Porzingis booed by Knicks crowd at MSG return

Also read | NBA: Jrue Holiday leads Pelicans to a 132-127 win over the Clippers

Porzingis was picked by the Knicks in the fourth overall draft in 2015. The seven-footer became a fan favourite during his rookie year and averaged at 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. His performance improved over the years, and he was picked for the NBA 2017-18 All-Star game where he averaged at a team-high 22.7 points. However, he suffered from a torn ACL on February 6, 2018, after a dunk while playing the Milwaukee Bucks. Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined for the rest of the season. His relation with the Knicks declined after the incident and he requested a trade on January 31, 2019, according to NBA reports. 

Also read | NBA: Will Andre Iguodala be used by the West to stop LeBron James? NBA executives think so

The Knicks traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. They signed Porzingis to a five-year $158 million off-season deal in 2019. Porzingis returned to play after his 20-month break at the start of the NBA 2019-20 season. However, Porzingas did not seem to mind the reaction by the Knicks fans and ended the match with 20 points and 11 rebounds. He is currently averaging at 18.3 points and 7.9 per game for the Mavericks. The Mavericks are at 6-2 while the Knicks started the game with an Eastern Conference worst 2-9 mark. Both teams have no more scheduled regular-season games.  

Also read | NBA: Carmelo Anthony to join Trail Blazers on a non-guaranteed deal, claims report

Also read | NBA trade rumours: Orlando Magic eyeing move for DeMar DeRozan