ORLANDO, Fla. — Kristaps Porzingis glanced over the heads of several reporters and spotted someone he wanted to meet: Jeff Hornacek, his new coach.

“I see him right there,” Porzingis said. “I’m kind of nervous right now.”

First impressions matter, especially when they involve two of the most important figures for the Knicks’ future. After spending recent weeks at home in Latvia, Porzingis was in Orlando on Saturday afternoon to watch the Knicks’ summer-league opener — and to chat with Hornacek, who offered Porzingis a warm greeting.

“Welcome, welcome!” Hornacek said as they embraced in a corridor at Amway Center.

“Yes, sir!” Porzingis replied.

Porzingis hardly recognizes his old team anymore. The Knicks underwent seismic changes while he was gone. The team hired Hornacek, acquired Derrick Rose in a trade and, more recently, agreed to a deal with Joakim Noah, a free-agent center. The team is being overhauled, and Porzingis, who had a terrific first season at power forward, is among the few holdovers.