Kristaps Porzingis will not play for Latvia this summer

Kristaps Porzingis is one of a few Knicks whose services could be desired by his native country this summer. Basketball services, that is. Not, like, data management consulting. WELL. Looks like he's not gonna participate:

Official: Kristaps Porzingis WILL NOT play for Latvian NT this summer #Rio2016 #FIBA #OQT

— Andrejs Silins (@AndrejsSilins) May 2, 2016

Kristaps Porzingis has announced in press conference in Latvia that he won't play in this summer's Olympics.

— Reinis Lācis (@LamarMatic) May 2, 2016

Kristaps is in Latvia as we speak, but it appears he will not join his countrymen for the Olympic qualifying tournament a month before Rio. There's plenty to be gained from international competition, but I imagine the Knicks are pleased with this decision. It gives the club more control over Porzingis's training and conditioning, which would be particularly important under the supervision of a new coach. More time with teammates, availability for Summer League, presence for free agent visits ... these are all things that should please the Knicks. So I guess I'm pleased, too.

(Carmelo Anthony, meanwhile, has yet to decide if he'll gun for an individual record with the USA team, and several other international Knicks must be in consideration for their countries. Remains to be seen if we'll be watching Knicks in the Olympics.)