Kristaps Porziņģis is a Latvian professional basketball player born in Liepāja, Latvia, known for his 7-foot-3 frame, shot-blocking ability, and three-point shooting as a center/power forward in the NBA.[1][2] He began his career in youth basketball with BK Liepājas Lauvas before joining Sevilla's junior team in Spain in 2012, where he averaged 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in his second year, earning ACB All-Young Players Team honors and the EuroCup Rising Star award as the youngest recipient.[1][5] Drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 2015—the highest ever for a Latvian or Baltic player—Porziņģis overcame initial fan boos with a strong rookie season, averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds across 72 starts, earning NBA All-Rookie Team honors and finishing as Rookie of the Year runner-up.[1][2][3] Injuries sidelined him in 2018-19, but he signed a five-year, $158 million max deal with the Dallas Mavericks in 2019, posting 19.2 points and 9.5 rebounds in his first 51 games before the COVID-19 suspension.[2] Traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021, he averaged career highs including 35 points against Orlando and was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week in January 2023.[1] In June 2023, Porziņģis joined the Boston Celtics via sign-and-trade, debuting with a franchise-record 30 points in a win over the Knicks.[1] He won an NBA championship with Boston in his first season, though limited to 99 regular-season games over two years due to injuries.[5] As of early 2026, Porziņģis plays for the Atlanta Hawks, bringing veteran scoring and defense to their frontcourt amid ongoing Southeast Division contention.[6] His career highlights resilience through trades, injuries, and international representation for Latvia.[1][4]