They have already become household names to even the casual basketball fan.
Jahlil Okafor.
Karl-Anthony Towns.
D’Angelo Russell.
Each of the aforementioned individuals received much notoriety for their accomplishments as college players and are locks to be among the top players chosen in Thursday night’s NBA draft.
And then there’s Kristaps Porzingis. He too will be one of the first players to have his name announced to an international television audience by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Yet, unless you’re an NBA official or a hard-core draftnik, you probably aren’t going to know much about Porzingis, a 7-foot Latvian who has been plying his craft overseas.
Marcus Landry, the former University of Wisconsin standout who played in Spain last season, feels that is unfortunate.
People are also reading…
“It sad nobody really knows much about this kid right now because he played in Spain,’’ Landry said. “I think this kid is amazing.’’
If anyone should know Porzingis’ skill-set and personality, it’s Landry. He and Porzingis were teammates two seasons ago with Cajasol Sevilla. Landry also played against Porzingis last season when the 6-7 Landry started for Caragaoda in Spain.
In Landry’s opinion, Porzingis is as talented as anyone in the draft.
“Honestly, I think Kristaps should be the No. 1 pick if you’re going to base it off potential,’’ Landry said. “I personally think he’s the best kid in the draft. And I’m not saying that because he’s a friend of mine.
“I know basketball. I’ve been in the NBA; I’ve been around NBA players. I’d tell you if he sucks. But he’s really good. If he goes beyond No. 2, that would be a mistake on some team’s part.’’
Landry, who played for the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics during the 2009-2010 season and has been playing mostly overseas since, was asked to compare Porzingis to a current NBA player.
It didn’t take him long to respond.
“That’s very hard to do,’’ Landry said. “To me, there’s no one in the NBA like him. No one. But, if I had to compare him to anybody based on his potential, I would say — maybe he’s not going to fill it up as much — it would be Kevin Durant. He’s very much KD like.
“I know that’s saying a lot. But Kristaps can shoot over guys, he can put the ball on the floor for a big guy, he can pass well. Things Kevin Durant can do.’’
That shouldn’t be construed as Landry believing Porzingis will be the second coming of Durant. But Landry is convinced Porzingis will become a household name in a few years.
“He’s easily an All-Star type player. Easily,’’ Landry said. “He has the potential to be a great player.’’
While Porzingis will most certainly be playing in the Association next season, Landry hopes to as well. After his stints with New York and Boston, he’s come close to making the rosters for the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers in recent years.
Landry and his wife, Esueka, have been married nine years and have three children. They have traveled the world with stops in China, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Spain.
Now, the 29-year-old Landry is hoping to find work much closer to home.
“I’m still pursuing playing in the NBA again,’’ said Landry, an excellent perimeter shooter who won the NBA D-League Three Point Shootout in 2013. “A couple of teams have shown interest in me and have talked to my agent (Keith Kreiter).
“But, to be honest with you, I would love to come back home and play for the Bucks. I love it here. I went to Vincent and I stayed home and played at Wisconsin. Playing for the Bucks ... that’s been a dream of mine. I think that would be huge playing for the Bucks and being able to help out even more in my community.
“We’ll see. If God says so, it’ll happen.’’
Kaminsky, Dekker get invites
Former Wisconsin stars Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker have accepted invitations to attend the NBA draft in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Kaminsky, a center-power forward, and Dekker, a forward, are both projected lottery picks. The draft begins at 6 p.m., with each team allotted five minutes to make their first-round selections. They are allowed two minutes to make their choice in the second round.
Kaminsky has wrapped up his workouts for teams, while Dekker will conduct his final workout Monday for the Sacramento Kings.
Neither Dekker nor Kaminsky worked out for the Bucks, who have the 17th overall pick.