Kristaps Porzingis, Dirk Nowitzki strengthen friendship at NBA Africa. Porzingis doesnt need a refresher course on Nowitzkis resume. Its already committed to memory. Ive seen so many highlights of him, watched so much film on him, he said. The Texarkana Gazette is the premier source for local news and sports in Texarkana and the surrounding Arklatex areas. Latest breaking news, including politics, crime and celebrity. Find stories, updates and expert opinion. Ive watched how he has conducted himself and carried himself. Hes a good person to study. Yet Porzingis would be shocked to know that Nowitzki has trained his binoculars toward the Knicks and their 7 foot 3 foundation and future hope. I like him a lot, both on and off the floor, Nowitzki said. Hes  a tremendous talent. Hes the whole package. Hes got his head on straight, hes working hard, wants to get better and learn. On the court, I dont think weve seen a 7 3 guy shoot it and put it on the floor like that, block shots like that. Unlike some young athletes fortunate enough to be in the Big City, Porzingis isnt a creation of the New York largess. The talent seems as steep as his height and that combination will make him a force in the NBA should his progress keep rising. Porzingis does have the chance to own New York basketball in a way not seen since Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing did so for the Knicks three decades ago. That says a lot about Porzingis and, unfortunately, about the slumber the Knicks find themselves in. Samsung Z3x Box New Setup there. This summer, when team president Phil Jackson entertained offers for Porzingis, Knicks fans were outraged enough to get the attention of owner Jim Dolan. And now, Jackson is the ex president. C1000' alt='Crack For Shaun White 2017' title='Crack For Shaun White 2017' />Yes, to surrender Porzingis would have been a potential franchise killer. After an inspired rookie season, Porzingis logged 1. Those numbers dont account for how miserable he was at times, given the turbulence and conflicting direction that suffocated the Knicks season. It was that experience and more that encouraged Porzingis to saddle up to Nowitzki to seek and soak some wisdom. Im asking him all kinds of questions about anything. Im interested in his experiences, his rookie year, his second, third and fourth year. Were just talking about basketball and non basketball stuff. Take a look back at the first Kristaps Porzingis vs. Dirk Nowitzki showdown. I find it unbelievable that he will have played in the league 2. Thats amazing. Also, everything he has done for European basketball is immeasurable. Said Nowitzki I just wanted to get to know him a bit better because during the season theres no time. You say hi, you say bye, even though we exchanged phone numbers when he was first in the league but really didnt have a lot of contact. This week there have been opportunities to talk. Just about hoops in general. And it was more like hanging out. I dont see myself as a father figure or coach. I just want to be a guy whos easy to talk to. I just want to have fun with him. Nowitzki also is impressed by Porzingis desire to improve, as indicated by the vigorous summer workout schedule Porzingis has maintained. The only advice I would give young guys is to keep your ears and eyes open, Nowitzki said. Never see yourself as a finished product. O9xe_Rt9TpQ/hqdefault.jpg' alt='Crack For Shaun White 2017' title='Crack For Shaun White 2017' />You always want to improve, learn from the veterans on the team. I think hes on the right track. Hes doing all of that and more. I think hes going to be great. In the meantime, they will have each other on Saturday in a basketball game in Africa to show the link that seems rather evident. As well, they may share a few moments that neither will forget. Its going to be a fun experience, honestly, Porzingis said. Who knows, hopefully maybe we can throw a lob to each other, something like that Or hit back to back threes and give a good show to the fans it should be special. Veteran NBA writer Shaun Powell has worked for newspapers and other publications for more than 2. You can e mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting. Kevin Lee appears to have a precipitous climb ahead of him less than 24 hours away from UFC 216s official weighins. Backup point guard Shaun Livingston said during a radio interview in February that he definitely wouldnt go to the White House if the Warriors won the.