NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kristaps Porzingis has the height and shooting touch that makes NBA scouts drool, and the slender Latvian is determined to show he has the passion and toughness to thrive in the world's top league.
The 19-year-old Latvian, who has been playing professionally in Spain, is expected to be one of the top picks in Thursday's NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Porzingis has been brought along gradually by Cajasol Seville in Spain's ACB, averaging 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds over two and a half seasons with them.
The 7-foot-1 (2.16 m) forward said he hopes to shatter an NBA stereotype.