Latvian Rookie Sensation Kristaps Porzingis Closes in on NBA All-Star Selection; More Fan Votes Needed

CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With only three days remaining in the NBA All-Star voting, fans of Kristaps Porzingis only have a limited time remaining to cast their ballots for one of basketball's most exciting players. Porzingis is captivating fans both on and off the court.

Porzingis, a 7-3 NBA phenom from Latvia, has turned heads his rookie season playing for the New York Knicks.  Porzingis is averaging a stellar 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. 

He has also invigorated the same Knicks fans that booed him on draft day last June with his penchant and flair for put-back slam dunks, 3-point shooting and shot-blocking ability. Additionally, his unique style of play has resulted in wildly popular videos such as the Latvian rap feature that has been viewed nearly 1 million times on YouTube.

"Porzingis is making people all over the world aware of his home country. He is giving the people in Latvia a chance to feel very proud again", said Rudolf Bremanis, Latvia's Charge d'affaires at the Embassy of Latvia in the United Arab Emirates.  "He is giving inspiration to young kids to think big and aim high."

"Kristaps Porzingis is one of the most exciting players to ever come out of Europe, and we are proud to say he is Latvian," said Roberts Blumbergs, honorary consul of the Republic of Latvia for the State of Illinois. "American-Latvians in Chicago, Milwaukee and all over the country have been coming to their local arenas to support Kristaps, and we hope they and thousands of other NBA fans will continue to show their support for him via the NBA's all-star game fan voting."

The Knicks have already improved dramatically this season with Porzingis in the lineup, winning 20 of their first 41 games after only recording 17 wins the entire 2014-15 season. Only 20 years old, Porzingis spends most of his time with his parents and brothers.

"It is pretty unbelievable that a kid growing up with limited means in post-Soviet occupied Latvia – known more for its opera stars – has played at an All-Star level his rookie year," added Blumbergs.

NBA All-Star voting closes on Monday, January 18, and voters can vote up to 10 times at http://vote.nba.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram typing "Kristaps Porzingis #NBAVOTE"

SOURCE Honorary Consulate of Latvia