Inside The Wizards

Kristaps Porzingis Praises Relationship With Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija

Porzingis, Kuzma, and Avdija share laughs and memories after Wizards-Celtics game

Carita Parks

Kristaps Porzingis Praises Relationship With Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija
Kristaps Porzingis Praises Relationship With Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija /
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Kristaps Porzingis returned to DC for the first time since being traded to the Boston Celtics in the offseason. Although the Celtics had their way with the Wizards, there was nothing but love for the “unicorn.”

Fans greeted him with applause as he stepped on the court to join his new team in a showdown with his former teammates. With all the changes that the Wizards have implemented since Michael Winger and Will Dawkins took the helm, there were not many familiar faces left from the Washington Wizards team Porzingis is used to playing with.

However, he did catch up with some familiar faces after the game. Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma, and Deni Avdija shared laughs and conversation in the hallway as Porzingis headed to his postgame media availability.

The ‘unicorn’ did not let his media obligations stop him from engaging in a lengthy banter with both players. When he finally made it into the press conference, he shared some thoughts on being back in DC and the relationships he still shares with Kuzma and Avdija.

“It felt good. As I said in the morning, good emotions remembering all the relationships I have from here and even now just talking to Kuz and Deni outside, we have that type of bond,” Porzingis said. “I don’t think we’re ever going to lose it. When we see each other after five years, it’s going to be the same banter. From the player side and everybody here, just a lot of great relationships. This was home for a year and a half so definitely good, good memories here.”

Kyle Kuzma shared similar sentiments: “KP, he’s such a great dude. He left a lasting impact on me just being so easygoing, relaxed and chill. A lot of time for me, I’m very uptight and stressed when I’m playing basketball. He made a huge impact here. He was a great locker room guy. Everybody loved him. I’m happy for him. He has a chance to do something he really wants to do in his career. He’s never had that opportunity to play for a contending type of team. He fits in seamlessly over there.” 

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Carita Parks
CARITA PARKS

Carita Parks is the founder and editor-in-chief of Double Take Sports, an online sports platform featuring in-depth feature interviews, personal athlete stories, game analysis, and inside access to top sporting events. As a credentialed sports journalist, Carita has covered major events such as the NBA Draft, NBA Playoffs, WNBA Draft, WNBA Finals, Super Bowl, NFL Draft, NFL Honors, and more. Her current work includes regular coverage of the NFL, WNBA, and NBA, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Washington Commanders. Carita’s articles and interviews have appeared on a variety of platforms including USA Today’s CommandersWire and more. Throughout her journey as a reporter, Carita has interviewed many prestigious names in sports and entertainment to include: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, Natasha Cloud, Elena Delle Donne, Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, Patrick Mahomes, Jemele Hill, and Snoop Dogg.  As a sports insider, Carita has been invited to provide expert analysis on podcasts, radio, and television shows. She also co-hosts a ‘The Triple W,’ an all female Wizards podcast, and a DC sports podcast called ‘The Breakdown.' Carita has a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Masters in Business Administration. She is a member of Women in Sports and Events – DC Chapter and the National Association of Black Journalists. 

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