New York Knicks: How Kristaps Porzingis Broke Rookie Wall

Just when it seemed as though Kristaps Porzingis had hit the rookie wall, he recovered. How was the New York Knicks big man able to pull through this trying stage of his career?

In the words of New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson, “Our kid hit the wall.” After months of intriguing success, rookie phenom Kristaps Porzingis finally encountered a hurdle that he could not overcome.

As soon as that narrative grew legs, of course, Porzingis covered it with black ink and threw the redacted file into a fire pit.

Porzingis appeared to have lost his legs, and thus, suffered a sharp decline in efficiency. He bounced back in a major way during a home-and-home against the Chicago Bulls, posting 29 points and 10 rebounds on 11-of-16 shooting on the road, and 19 points with 10 rebounds and three blocks at home.

According to Fred Kerber of The New York Post, Porzingis broke through the rookie wall by focusing more on individual games than the broad scheme of the season.

"“I’ve been working a lot on my shot and just shooting a lot really, repetition,” the Knicks’ 7-foot-3 rookie said. “Just really, really, really focusing on each game individually and trying to finish the season the right way.”"

At this point, all Porzingis and the Knicks can do is take the season one game at a time.

New York will finish yet another season below .500, but there’s a sense of optimism that wasn’t previously present. Some of that lies in the fact that Carmelo Anthony and Robin Lopez are under contract and thriving, but the strength of that uncharacteristic enthusiasm is Porzingis.

For the first time in quite some time, Knicks fans know something about the long-term future of the organization.

Moreover, New York actually knows who the next franchise player will be.

No Knicks draft pick has gone on to become an All-Star since David Lee, who was selected at No. 30 overall in 2005. Before Lee, the last two players who qualify for such a distinction were Mark Jackson and Patrick Ewing.

That’s quite concerning considering Ewing was drafted in 1985, and Jackson was selected in 1987.

30 years later, Porzingis is showing the signs of being a future All-Star. His 7’3″ height and 7’7″ wingspan are tantalizing enough, but his skill level is far more polished than anyone expected it to be.

As always seems to be the case with players who physically overwhelm the opposition, however, the new strategy amongst opponents has been to play Porzingis physically—something he wasn’t ready for.

Game by game, he’s adjusting.

"“That’s something I have to get adjusted to, playing against defenses that are really aggressive,” Porzingis said. “That’s what they’re trying to do now. Just being real physical, get into my body and be lower than me. I’ve got to be lower than them to try to attack at that point when they get really close. It’s a learning experience for me. I struggled a few games and I’ve been able to attack against really aggressive defenses.“Just try to get that space. I’ve been working on that. Just face up, jabbing a little bit, and getting that space where I can be dangerous, shooting or driving,” Porzingis said. “That’s what I’ve been working on with the coaches and I still have to keep working on that so I’m really dangerous in those situations.”"

Recent results, included the aforementioned success against Chicago, suggest he’s back in rhythm.

The rookie wall is about more than just the way an opposing team is approaching the offensive and defensive assignments. It’s an issue of both mental and physical fatigue, as the seemingly endless season takes its toll on a vast majority of first-year players.

In Porzingis’ case, that wall was expected to hit even harder than it did as he transitions from a 50-game Liga ACB season to an 82-game NBA campaign.

Beyond the fatigue, Porzingis has learned how to take the increased physicality on both ends of the floor. He’s using his length to compensate for what he currently lacks in weight and core strength, and is capitalizing on his rare combination of shooting range and a strong arsenal of post moves.

You can thank the coaching staff for Porzingis embracing the well-rounded approach that’s saved his game.

One of the primary areas of focus for interim head coach Kurt Rambis has been helping Porzingis find a greater balance in his game. Porzingis was falling in love with his jump shot too often for Rambis’ liking, which led to his calling on the 20-year-old to embrace his versatility by not focusing too much on any one area.

Porzingis has heeded Rambis’ advice as he begins to read and react to what the defense is giving him.

"“He’s being more conscious of when he can be outside and when he can be inside, and he’s one of those rare players that’s going to be all over the floor,” Rambis said. “But he’s got to continue to do a good job of reading where he needs to be so that he can make himself available.”"

With mere weeks remaining in the 2015-16 NBA regular season, all New York can ask of Porzingis is that he sprints through the finish line.

Porzingis is currently averaging 14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made in 28.2 minutes of action per game. He’s done so on a slash line of .421/.333/.845, which accurately reflects both the highs and lows of his season.

There have been outstanding performances and discouraging cold spells. Whether his shot has fallen or not, however, Porzingis has kept us all on our toes with his uncanny ability to do the unexpected.

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The rookie wall was nothing more than another obstacle for Porzingis to climb.