He entered the public spotlight as the anti-Porzingis. Now, he's the rookie's unofficial mascot.
Jordan the Crying Knicks fan, a 10-year-old from Manhattan, ripped off a firestorm of boos, tears and frowns at last year's NBA Draft upon the Knicks selecting Kristaps Porzingis. His face became representative of New Yorkers disappointed in the Knicks gambling on an unknown European at No. 4 overall.
The tide has turned. Jordan now lives himself some KP. But he's embracing his legacy, and has started an Instagram account (@cryingknicksfan).
The Knicks figured it out, and last week, Jordan came to a game and met Porzingis and his family.
According to NJ.com, upon meeting Jordan, Porzingis told him, "Let's take a happy selfie."
Jordan learned his lesson. "I thought it would take Porzingis three to four years for him to become the player he is right now," he says. "I thought they'd be better off with someone who would be ready to play and win right now. But it turns out Porzingis was very good."
Jordan has evolved into the Knicks' ultimate fan, and the front office appears to be consulting him on important decisions.
Knicks President Phil Jackson shook Jordan's hand before a recent game:
General Manager Steve Mills posed with Jordan:
Knicks' Basketball & Business Operations Representative Larry Johnson even let Jordan show off his trademark "L."
Even former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy is in on the action:
Even Porzingis is buying into Porzingis' hype.
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
