In his three seasons in the NBA, Kristaps Porzingis has managed to transform his image from a draft day magnet of boos and jeers to being a major asset for the New York Knicks in the franchise’s quest to attract future free agents to come and play in Gotham.

That’s exactly what Knicks general manager Scott Perry was saying when asked about Porzingis, particularly about the big man’s value in terms of enticing stars to call New York their home, according to ESPN’s Nick Friedell (h/t Ian Begley of ESPN):

Knicks GM Scott Perry and Steve Mills were asked if they felt as if Kristaps Porzingis can be a draw for free agents in future summers: “I think Kristaps is going to be an excellent player in this league. I think he's gaining the respect of many of his peers around this league so we're excited about that,” Perry said on Tuesday, per ESPN's Nick Friedell. “Anytime you get the respect of fellow players around in this league, and we've heard that from around (the league), I think that's a good thing. And we feel real confident about him being an important part of our building process.”

The Knicks are always going to be a major destination to consider for the NBA’s best players, considering their large market and the city’s overall allure and vibe. Having a Kristaps Porzingis to play with definitely boosts New York’s appeal for free agents. The Knicks have seemingly already used Porzingis as bait during their search for Jeff Hornacek’s successor, and they are hoping to get the same measure of success when it comes to finding another star to pair with the 7-foot-3 Latvian unicorn.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Jalen Brunson and two other players with blank Knicks’ jerseys and question marks covering their heads.

Drew Maresca ·

Knicks, Stephen A. Smith, 76ers, Jalen Brunson, 76ers Knicks

Jackson Stone ·

image idea: Celtics' Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown next to Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard with report cards around them (could be in a classroom background). they're all looking happy/hyped

Daniel Donabedian ·

Mills added: “When we were going through this coaching search, every coaching candidate that we interviewed, they wanted to have an opportunity to coach Kristaps and that was a big thing about why this job was one of the more attractive jobs on the market. So as coaches see the opportunity and what he can become as a player, I believe players start to see the opportunity of who he is and who he would be like to play with.”

Before they dream of luring other stars, however, the Knicks will have to start with convincing Porzingis to stay and ink an extension deal. Porzingis is bound for free agency next season as a restricted free agent.