Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis wants to run like Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt would probably be an average to below-average basketball player, but that won’t stop one NBA rookie from trying to extract some knowledge from his gracious strides.

Usain Bolt would probably be an average to below-average basketball player, but that won’t stop one NBA rookie from trying to extract some knowledge from his gracious strides.

Kristaps Porzingis is working hard to prove to impatient Knicks fans that he was the right choice with the fourth pick in the 2015 NBA draft. He has gained 11 pounds over the off-season and he’s been arriving to the gym so early in the morning that he’s beaten coaches there.

He’s also been caught in the cold tub watching Usain Bolt videos.

Mills said he walked in while Porzingis was in the cold tub. Found KP randomly watching video of Usain Bolt's running techniques

— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) September 25, 2015

Steve Mills says Kristaps Porzingis was watching film of Usain Bolt to improve his running technique.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) September 25, 2015

The 7’1” Porzingis was drafted for his athleticism and ability to shoot the outside jumper. It’s not really clear where he would be able to apply Bolt’s technique in a game setting other than getting past a defender for a breakaway score every now and then.

More power to Porzingis, though, for remaining committed to improving. Or, Boltzingis for that matter. Err—Usainstaps Porzingfast. Or something. There is a nickname in there somewhere.

• Porzingis is showing off his Phil Jackson socks

- Kenny Ducey