Kristaps Porzingis Reportedly Skipped Exit Meeting Due to Jeff Hornacek Issues

New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis reportedly skipped his exit meeting following the 2016-17 season because of issues with head coach Jeff Hornacek instead of then-president Phil Jackson.

Peter Vecsey (h/t Ryan Phillips of the Big Lead) reported the news Tuesday.

Hornacek reportedly told Willy Hernangomez to tell Porzingis "stop playing like a p---y," which caused the star big man to skip the exit meeting and, as Phillips wrote, "basically shut down any relationship with his head coach" at that time.  

Phillips also noted Vecsey reported Porzingis and Hornacek are speaking again with the 2017-18 campaign approaching.

It is another example of dysfunction within the Knicks' franchise after a fourth straight losing season. Porzingis was included in trade rumors during the offseason, and Jackson and the team parted ways after three years together.

Rekindling the relationship between Porzingis and Hornacek is important moving forward considering the 22-year-old is one of the few bright spots for the team. He posted 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in 2016-17, his second in the league, and figures to continue blossoming with more experience at the highest level.

Having a functioning relationship with his head coach would only serve to facilitate the development.