Kristaps Porzingis isn't done earning street credibility. The Knicks rookie -- with his teammates behind him -- engaged in a brief altercation with Atlanta's Kent Bazemore on Tuesday.
He picked up his first-ever technical.
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"You guys are more surprised than I was surprised,'' Carmelo Anthony said, per the New York Post. "We're going to do something about that tech to help him out a bit [financially].
"He showed some grit out there. Someone walked up into your chest, you stand your ground. That's what he did.''
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That's what Porzingis is going to need to do more of if he hopes to receive his due.
I'd pay good money to watch Kristaps Porzingis fight someone. Might've picked up a few moves from World Star videos. https://t.co/W303GVepAy
— Mark Kim (@MarkJKim_) January 6, 2016
Admittedly, European veterans have gone a long way in shedding the "soft" label often attributed to overseas players. Andrew Bogut and Serge Ibaka certainly look the part of a rugged NBA player, while Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili did their part in the championship department.
But neither have the tall, slender frame associated to Porzingis -- who was once considered the Latvian Shawn Bradley.
That's the stereotype the 20-year-old's been fighting to shed since he was drafted No. 4 overall. He took a massive step in doing so on Tuesday, but his journey is not yet complete.
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Love how Melo just jumped in and had Porzingis' back. https://t.co/TyN1owOtc4
— LegionNBA (@MySportsLegion) January 6, 2016
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