NEW YORK (Reuters) - Latvia's Kristaps Porzingis received a rough welcome to U.S. professional basketball on Thursday, when fans of the New York Knicks booed their team's selection of the 19-year-old with the fourth pick in the NBA draft.
But the slender, 7-foot-1 (2.16 m) forward Porzingis took the reception in his stride, acknowledging that New York fans are "a little harsh sometimes, but ... I'm ready for it."
"A lot of fans weren't happy that they drafted me," Porzingis told reporters.
"But I have to do everything that's in my hands to turn those booing fans into clapping fans.