Porzingis wants to learn 'signature move' from Nowitzki

A mentor-pupil relationship between Dirk Nowitzki - widely considered the greatest European talent in NBA history - and New York Knicks upstart Kristaps Porzingis was destined to form dating back to last December.

Porzingis dropped 28 points on 13-of-18 shooting against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 7, with Nowitzki front and center to catch the fourth overall pick's performance. After the game, the then-rookie received a letter from the veteran, who offered to help him in any way he could.

"He said, 'Whatever question you have, whatever you need, let me know, and if you want to work out during the summer, we can make that happen,'" Porzingis said Sunday, according to Newsday's Al Iannazzone.

"It was really nice of him to give back and to help young players from Europe like me to get to that next level. It meant a lot. It's an honor that he reached out to me and gave me that opportunity. It just didn't work out."

The two were originally set to meet up in September, but due to a scheduling conflict, that never transpired. They plan to meet up next summer, with the 7-foot-3 Latvian hoping to learn a "signature move" from the 13-time All-Star.

"His turnaround jump shot is unguardable, basically," Porzingis said. "That's one thing I can work on and maybe steal a move or two from him and add to my game. A signature move, I'd like to see if I'm capable of doing that.

"There are a lot of little details I can ask him about the game, about off-the-court stuff. He's been in the league forever. From a guy like that with a lot of experience, there's a lot to learn. I hope I have that chance."

Porzingis has avoided a sophomore slump early in the season, boosting his scoring numbers to 18.8 points on 48 percent shooting from the field and 39.6 percent from deep, along with 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 rejections.