2015 NBA Draft: What if the New York Knicks Fall to No. 5?
3. Kristaps Porzingis, Baloncesto Sevilla (Liga ACB)
Position: Power Forward
Age: 19
Height & Weight: 7’0″ & 220 pounds
Slash Line: .500/.373/.757
Season Averages: 21.4 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.4 ORPG, 1.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 3PM
The Triangle Offense is at its best in the NBA with a player who can work the elbow. A low-post scorer is vital to employ, but a player who can create from the high post is just as important.
Kristaps Porzingis could be that player for the New York Knicks.
Porzingis has bust potential as a troublingly thin big man who lacks the muscle mass to play with his back to the basket. He also has a dynamic offensive skill set comparable to another great international power forward: Detlef Schrempf.
Unfortunately, Porzingis won’t give scouts the chance to study him at the 2015 NBA Draft Combine.
However, several top prospects including Jahlil Okafor, Emmanuel Mudiay, Kristaps Porzingis & Mario Hezonja won’t participate at all.
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) May 7, 2015
That’s a bit of a red flag.
Upside exists for a 7’0″ power forward who can convert from beyond the arc and create off the bounce. Risk is prevalent when that player lacks the ideal body type to play the 4 in the NBA.
This is boom or bust, at its finest.
Next: Covering Ground