Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks is a rising star in the NBA. So, it's no surprise that he's a household name and a national hero in his native Latvia.
On Thursday, Porzingis was named Latvian Athlete of the Year at the annual Latvijas Gada Balva Sportu0101, reports Kyle Schnitzer of the New York Post. Since Porzingis wasn't home to accept the award, several relatives claimed the honor on his behalf.
Porzingis' grandmother, Antonija Trumsina, great-aunt Ilga Lemaine and aunts Ilga Pavare and Ilze Berzina took to the stage to accept the award.