Kristaps Porziņģis (born August 2, 1995) is a Latvian professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Selected fourth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, the 7-foot-3 forward-center is known for combining elite size with perimeter shooting and shot-blocking ability , a rare skill set that earned him the nickname – The Unicorn.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Kristaps Porziņģis
- Date of Birth: August 2, 1995
- Age: 30 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Liepāja, Latvia
- Nationality: Latvian
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Profession: Professional Basketball Player
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Height: 7 feet 3 inches (221 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 240 lbs (109 kg)
- NBA Draft: 2015, Round 1, Pick 4 (New York Knicks)
- Current Team: Boston Celtics
- Jersey Number: #8
- Years Active: 2012 – Present
Early Life, Family & Education
Kristaps Porziņģis was born in Liepāja, Latvia, into a basketball-oriented family. Both of his parents were former basketball players, and the sport became central to his upbringing.
Showing elite height and mobility at a young age, he began professional development in Europe rather than pursuing college basketball in the United States.
As a teenager, he moved to Spain to develop within Sevilla’s system in Liga ACB, one of Europe’s top professional leagues.
His performance against high-level European competition significantly boosted his NBA draft stock.
Parents & Siblings
Father: Tālis Porziņģis
Mother: Ingrīda Porziņģe
He has two older brothers, including Jānis Porziņģis, who also played professional basketball and later became involved in managing his career.
Education
Porziņģis focused exclusively on professional basketball training in Europe and did not attend an American college program.
NBA Career
Porziņģis declared for the 2015 NBA Draft and was selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks. He quickly became a fan favorite and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2016.
In 2018, he was named an NBA All-Star, becoming one of the first Latvian players to achieve the honor.
After his tenure with the Knicks, he played for the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards before joining the Boston Celtics.
Throughout his career, he has averaged approximately 19–20 points per game, along with strong rebounding and shot-blocking numbers, establishing himself as a versatile two-way frontcourt player capable of stretching the floor with three-point shooting.
International Career
Porziņģis represents Latvia in international competition and has competed in EuroBasket tournaments and FIBA events. He is considered one of the most accomplished basketball players in Latvian history.
Career Highlights & Achievements
- NBA All-Star (2018)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016)
- Fourth Overall Pick – 2015 NBA Draft
- Multiple 20+ points per game seasons
- International representative for Latvia
Contracts & Earnings
Porziņģis signed a five-year maximum rookie contract extension with the New York Knicks in 2019. He has since signed multi-million dollar contracts throughout his NBA career, contributing to an estimated net worth between $60–80 million as of 2026.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 7 feet 3 inches (221 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 240 lbs (109 kg)
- Wingspan: Approximately 7 feet 6 inches
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Nickname: “The Unicorn”
Social Media
- Instagram: @kporzee
- Twitter/X: @kporzee
- Facebook: Kristaps Porzingis
Net Worth
As of 2026, Kristaps Porziņģis’ estimated net worth is between $60–80 million, primarily derived from NBA contracts and endorsement deals.
Trivia
- He earned the nickname “The Unicorn” for his rare combination of 7-foot-3 height, three-point shooting, and shot-blocking ability.
- He became one of the highest-drafted Latvian players in NBA history when selected fourth overall in 2015.
- Before entering the NBA, he played professionally in Spain’s Liga ACB as a teenager.
- He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2016.
- He became an NBA All-Star in 2018.
- He represents Latvia in international competitions, including EuroBasket and FIBA tournaments.
FAQs
How tall is Kristaps Porziņģis?
He is 7 feet 3 inches (221 cm) tall.
When was Kristaps Porziņģis born?
He was born on August 2, 1995.
What position does Kristaps Porziņģis play?
He plays as a power forward and center.
Which country does Kristaps Porziņģis represent?
He represents Latvia in international competition.