New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Kristaps Porzingis

The New York Knicks have high hopes for second-year big man Kristaps Porzingis, but what exactly are realistic expectations for 2016-17?

Both in the short-term and the long-term, the New York Knicks are trusting Kristaps Porzingis to lead a resurrection. New York has made the playoffs just four times over the past 15 years, finishing just three of those seasons with a winning record.

That follows a stretch of 14 consecutive postseason appearances from 1988 to 2001, including the 13 straight that Patrick Ewing led New York to.

Selected at No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Porzingis has already won over the local fan base. He’s a coordinated 7’3″ goliath whose impact can be felt in virtually every phase of the game—on both ends of the floor.

The proof is in the fact that Porzingis became the only player in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made in their rookie season.

Porzingis finished his rookie campaign with averages of 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made per game. His efforts were strong enough to warrant a unanimous selection to the 2016 All-Rookie First Team.

The question is: what can Knicks fans realistically expect from Porzingis in 2016-17? A sophomore slump isn’t an option.