Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis has announced he is stepping away from the NBA, bringing an end to his 10-year professional basketball career. The 7-foot-3 forward-center, who was selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2015 NBA Draft, made the announcement on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Porzingis, known for his unique combination of size and shooting ability, played for the Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, and Boston Celtics during his decade in the league. He earned an NBA All-Star selection in 2018 while with New York and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2016.
The 29-year-old Latvian international dealt with various injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2018-19 season. Despite the setbacks, he established himself as one of the league's most distinctive big men, capable of protecting the rim and stretching the floor with his three-point shooting.
