Budding New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis has one of the coolest nicknames in the league today. He’s known as “The Unicorn” because of his incredibly unique combination of skill and size. However, Porzingis apparently has another animal-based nickname, which is somewhat less catchy: “The Lizard.”

Knicks beat writer Steve Popper provides Porzingis’ explanation as to why he got that unusual nickname:

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Anyway, Porzingis on healing, presented without comment: “They call me the lizard because I recover so quickly from things. So hopefully it’s nothing too big and I’m going to get treatment and hopefully the lizard will be ready for Sunday. … Lizard is my secret name.”

Kristaps Porzingis sprained his ankle very early in the Knicks’ blowout win over the Miami Heat and did not return. That's just another injury to add to his laundry list of ailments. Aside from the elbow injury he’s been dealing with all season, Porzingis also missed the Knicks’ recent game against the Houston Rockets due to a back issue.

It would obviously be much more comforting for Knicks fans for their star player to not pick up so many injuries this often. But if “The Lizard” can continue to use his amazing powers of recovery to get back on the court, then the Knicks should probably be alright.