Kristaps Porzingis: Small World, Tall Man

Going to Disneyland isn’t just another day in the park for Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis—it’s a lifelong dream.

- Sam Alipour

On a chilly December evening in Anaheim, California, Kristaps Porzingis points to his soaked crotch and bursts with joy.

“Look, I peed my pants!” yelps the 21-year-old big man, a Pooh Bear hat atop his head, furry ears and all. Porzingis is kidding, of course—his unfortunately positioned wet spot is a souvenir from Grizzly River Run at Disney’s California Adventure Park. The ride was the first stop on his rookie sojourn to Disneyland, on an off-day for the Knicks sandwiched between road wins in Sacramento and over the Lakers in LA.

The Latvian import has taken to the Happiest Place on Earth like a big kid with his hair on fire. But unlike every other kid, the 7-foot-3 Porzingis has, in fact, been deemed too tall for several rides. “It must be nice to be short,” he tells this 5-7¼ reporter.

Still, Porzingis wanted as much magic as possible on our trip, and so magic we will find— including stops at the Cars-inspired Radiator Springs Racers and the venerable teacups at Disneyland’s Mad Tea Party. There was also time to shop for gear (he carefully selected Stitch’s ears for me), break into song (“Porzingis peed his pants, Porzingis peed his pants!”) and partake in a wide-ranging chat about the charmed though not trouble-free life of the Unicorn.

ALIPOUR: I told you we could meet anywhere and do anything in America for Hang Time. So why are two grown men at Disneyland today? 

PORZINGIS: It’s been a long journey of mine, wanting to come to Disneyland. As a kid, I always wanted to experience this. Now I’m 21, but I still wanted to do it. So we’re here!