4. Kristaps Porzingis, Baloncesto Sevilla (Liga ACB)
NBA Comparison: Detlef Schrempf, Retired
Position: Power Forward
Age: 19
Height & Weight: 6’11” & 220 pounds
2014-15 Slash Line: .503/.388/.727
2014-15 Season Averages: 21.4 MPG, 10.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.2 ORPG, 1.1 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 3PM
If the New York Knicks are unable to take one of the Top 3 prospects on this list, then Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis is the prospect to pursue. He’s a Detlef Schrempf style big man with a superb perimeter game and the skills to work the pinch post.
Porzingis won’t be able to consistently go to the low block until he packs on significant muscle mass, but he’s already equipped for quality production in the NBA.
Porzingis has a tight handle, can run in transition and is one of the best pure shooters in this draft class. He’s relatively underwhelming on the defensive boards, but he gets after the offensive glass and converts from in close.
What separates Porzingis from other power forwards in this draft class is that his dynamic offensive skill set is complemented by genuinely elite defensive potential.
Porzingis will light opponents up from beyond the arc and could have an early impact similar to Nikola Mirotic—both in scoring prowess and positional versatility. On the other end, he’s a good shot-blocker whose defensive foundation provides immense upside.
Drafting an international prospect in the Top 5 is risky, but Porzingis is too talented to overlook.
Next: A Bit of Everything, Part I