The beaches are nice, but Latvia never has been known as a giant tourist destination.
Yet the Baltic country, once part of the USSR, is getting loads of publicity in New York because of Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks’ sensational rookie-of-the-year candidate.
On Tuesday, Liepāaja, a coastal city and Porzingis’ hometown, unveiled two billboards on its highways with his picture and the Latvian words translated to: “Welcome to my hometown.’’
The city council asked permission from Porzingis’ handlers to erect the billboards.
“I saw it — it’s pretty cool, representing my hometown,” Porzingis told The Post. “I’m proud to be from there. I saw it online. Pretty cool.”
Indeed, Porzingis’ endorsement potential appears limitless, but a source says he has asked to do less marketing for now so he can focus on basketball with his minutes and responsibility growing each month.
The 20-year-old Porzingis, who scored 26 points in Tuesday’s win over Boston, was at a Nike event Monday night at St. Raymond’s High. Porzingis had a contract with Nike dating to his days in the Spanish League. According to a source, that contract is in its final year and the bidding from shoe and apparel companies for Porzingis’ name could be fierce. Figure on the first “KP” shoe once he signs his next contract.
Meanwhile, riders of the Long Island Railroad can hear Porzingis’ voice in their public service announcements, saying, “Watch the gap when leaving the train.’’
Carmelo Anthony and Robin Lopez also recorded LIRR announcements. Anthony says: “Please don’t run on the tracks.’’ The Knicks-LIRR arrangement started last season with Knicks legend/MSG Network broadcaster Walt Frazier.
In December, Porzingis landed his first major marketing deal for the sports drink company Body Armor. He also worked with Newark mattress company Shifman that made him a specialized plus-sized bed.
Knicks coach Derek Fisher said Porzingis’ focus has been on basketball and not endorsements, but understands if the 20-year-old wants to enjoy New York’s offerings.
“As successful as he’s been, a lot of other things call your name as far as appearances,’’ Fisher said. “It’s hard to prepare a guy for that stuff. From what I can tell, it hasn’t been an issue as far as his focus. He’s still a very young man. He should enjoy [it], he grew up in Latvia and now is in New York. You’re supposed to enjoy it.’’