Porziņģis: “Kings Of Air” Better Than NBA Dunk Contest

NBA player Kristaps Porziņģis told “Ghetto Games” that the “Kings of Air” dunk competition in Latvia outperformed recent NBA dunk contests. The Golden State Warriors star praised the event’s organization and the high level of athleticism displayed during the competition held in Grīziņkalns.

Why did Kristaps Porziņģis rate “Kings of Air” above the NBA dunk contest?

Porziņģis told “Ghetto Games” that the Latvian competition offered a superior level of performance compared to recent NBA iterations. “Without question. Yes, of course,” Porziņģis said when asked to compare the two. He noted that the NBA dunk contest has lacked the same energy in recent years, whereas the “Kings of Air” show maintained a “real cool level.”

The Golden State Warriors player emphasized that the organization of the event was highly effective. He described the overall atmosphere as being at a high professional standard, specifically highlighting the quality of the dunking performances.

Did you know? Local basketball showcases like “Kings of Air” often serve as the primary scouting grounds for regional talent before players move to major European leagues like the ACB.

Who won the “Kings of Air” competition in Grīziņkalns?

Pjotrs Grabovskis emerged as the winner of the most recent “Kings of Air” competition. The event also marked a significant milestone for Latvian dunker Kristaps Dārgais, who participated in what was described as his “last dance.”

Kings of Air 2026 – Slam Dunk Contest, LIVE from Riga, Latvia

Dārgais, a prominent figure in the Latvian dunking scene, saw his run end during the semifinal round of the competition. Despite his exit, the event drew significant attention for its high-flying displays and community engagement.

How does Porziņģis plan to support the next generation of Latvian basketball?

The NBA star expressed a strong desire to give back to young athletes by participating in autograph and photo sessions. Porziņģis connected this motivation to his own childhood experiences, recalling the impact of meeting players like Andris Biedriņš and other ACB professionals when he was younger.

How does Porziņģis plan to support the next generation of Latvian basketball?

“If I have the opportunity to give back now, then I definitely want to use it and see that I can please someone,” Porziņģis told “Ghetto Games.” This commitment to grassroots engagement highlights a growing trend of professional players utilizing their platform to inspire local talent in their home countries.

Pro Tip: For aspiring athletes, observing the technical mechanics of professional dunkers in local competitions provides a more accessible way to learn than watching distant broadcasted NBA highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Kings of Air dunk competition?
Pjotrs Grabovskis was the winner of the competition.

What did Kristaps Porziņģis say about the NBA dunk contest?
Porziņģis stated that the “Kings of Air” show was better than the NBA dunk contest in recent years.

Which Latvian player participated in his “last dance” at the event?
Dunker Kristaps Dārgais participated in his final “Kings of Air” competition during the semifinals.

Why does Porziņģis want to meet young fans?
He wants to give back to the community, inspired by his own experiences meeting players like Andris Biedriņš when he was a child.

Do you think local dunk competitions can eventually rival the NBA’s production value? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest basketball news.

Leave a Comment