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New York Knicks first-round selection Kristaps Porzingis will make his American professional debut in the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League on July 11 after battling a hip injury sustained in a predraft workout. Al Iannazzone of Newsday reported Porzingis and fellow rookie Jerian Grant will be in action on Saturday.

Reports initially surfaced that Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony was "furious" with team president Phil Jackson's decision to draft a project like Porzingis, per ESPN.com's Ian Begley, but Melo later expressed support for the selection on Instagram by calling Porzingis "a steal."

Melo is in win-now mode at 31 years of age, but the Knicks are a work in progress after finishing with the NBA's second-worst record last season.

Porzingis figures to be part of the organization's growth next season and beyond. Knicks fans are undoubtedly excited to see the rookie in action.

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