Given his unique skill set and based on what he has showcased so far in his NBA career, many have grown curious about who inspired New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis to play the way he does now. Growing up in Latvia where basketball was not one of the most popular sports then, there are a lot of fans who want to know who he watched playing during his younger days.

The Knicks star answered that question recently, as he named the greats he was able to watch a lot of growing up. However, instead of naming some power forwards and centers, he surprisingly said he watched Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and point guards, via Steve Popper of USA TODAY Sports.

“I was just watching point guards, how they played, and then Michael Jordan, Kobe (Bryant). I was always kind of watching the outside game more than the inside game.”

Pozingis’ revelation only goes to show why he deserves to be called The Unicorn. Even if he stands 7-foot-3, he has the ability to play multiple positions and can create his own shot off-the-dribble. He can also score in different ways, including on post-ups or on outside shooting which extends beyond the arc, making him a matchup nightmare for their opponents.

As he gets more experience in the league and a better understanding of what is needed to be successful at the highest level, Porzingis can also use Jordan and Bryant’s greatness as motivation to take his career to an even higher level. With all their achievements during their playing days, it will be difficult to find better players to emulate as they are two of the best to ever the play the game.