Charles Oakley Says Kristaps Porzingis Wrong for Skipping Knicks Exit Meeting
Charles Oakley has had his differences with New York Knicks owner James Dolan, but the former NBA All-Star is siding with the team in the case of Kristaps Porzingis skipping his end-of-season exit meeting.
Speaking to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Oakley explained why Porzingis was wrong not to speak with Knicks management after the 2016-17 season concluded:
"He's wrong for that. You can't do that. Not being two years in the league and you've been on the team two years and you won 32 games and 31 games. I mean, you don't do that. Especially when you're in town (at the same time the meeting was supposed to take place). You don't do that. That's wrong."
ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported Porzingis skipped his April meeting with Knicks management, including president Phil Jackson, because of "what he perceives as the dysfunction and drama surrounding the organization."
Oakley told Bondy that Porzingis should have gone to Jackson with his frustration about the Knicks' current direction.
"(Porzingis) should tell (Jackson) himself," he said. "That's why you got a mouth. All they can do is trade you or keep you. But you got to realize that you have an opinion too."
The drama with Porzingis has continued, with Begley reporting Friday the Boston Celtics made a trade proposal to the Knicks for the 21-year-old but haven't "found common ground."
Porzingis, 21, just finished his second year with the Knicks. He is still growing into his star potential after averaging 18.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 66 games last season.
