Fansided

Report: Kristaps Porzingis skipped exit interview because of coach Jeff Hornacek

ByChazz Scogna|
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

There is a new wrinkle in the reason why young Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis skipped his exit interview, and it has to do with coach Jeff Hornacek.

Well, it seems Kristaps Porzingis’ issues with the New York Knicks run deeper than originally thought. Knicks fans, you may want to look away.

According to a recent report from the NBA’s Peter Vecsey, Porzingis had a falling out with head coach Jeff Hornacek sometime during the season. Vecsey reports that at one point, Hornacek asked center Wily Hernangomez to tell Porzingis to “stop playing like a p—-.” The report says it was the reason Porzingis skipped his exit interview, though it does mention he and Hornacek are back on speaking terms.

The report goes on to mention that Porzingis has been clashing with the organization for some time (h/t New York Post):

"The report stated Porzingis also raised eyebrows in management circles by parking in the spots reserved for executives at the team’s training campus in Tarrytown."

Under other circumstances, this may not seem like a big deal. But it could be seen as Porzingis waging a one-man war against the Knicks’ organization.

There’s a lot to unpack with what’s going on with the Knicks and their young star. For one, it seems Porzingis’ issues with the team stretch beyond the once-thought issues with the organization, which included former president Phil Jackson. Second, it could be said Porzingis is developing diva-ish tendencies. Though stars are treated differently in professional sports, skipping exit interviews and stealing parking spots isn’t the best way to go about getting star treatment.

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And third, and in Porzingis’ defense, a lot of the issues are a culmination of the dysfunction within the Knicks, which Porzingis has been open about. Jackson outright mentioned trading him, forced an antiquated offense onto the team and boxed in Hornacek. The blurred roles and stepping over boundaries made the Knicks seem like the Wild West. It’s possible that their actions simply created similar reactions.

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