Porzingis won't play for Latvia in Olympic qualifiers

Should Latvia earn a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this summer, the team will do so without the services of New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis.

The 20-year-old big man announced in a press conference Monday that he won't suit up for his country in July's Olympic qualifier.

This should be music to the ears of Knicks brass, who was reportedly hoping Porzingis wouldn't participate in the tournament and instead focus on training with the club during the offseason.

Eighteen teams were grouped into three separate tournaments, with Latvia heading to Belgrade, Serbia in July to face Angola, Puerto Rico, Japan, Czech Republic, and the host country. The winner of each tournament will punch a ticket to Brazil for the Olympics.

Porzingis missed the final seven games of the regular season due to a shoulder strain. He averaged 14.3 points on 42.1 percent shooting, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 72 appearances for the 32-50 Knicks after being selected fourth overall.