Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, Others Weigh In On His Upside

The New York Knicks have placed the future of the organization in the hands of a 19-year-old from Latvia. He’s 7’3″, has a smooth shooting stroke and is capable of lighting teams up from all over the court.

For Kristaps Porzingis, the pressure is mounting.

Fortunately, Porzingis showed many a positive sign during the Las Vegas Summer League. There are still flaws that must be addressed, but all in all, he showed the potential to be a smart investment.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, one scout took it as far as saying that Porzingis could help elevate the Knicks’ from obscurity.

"Knicks 7-foot-3 rookie wonder Kristaps Porzingis looked good enough in four games during the Las Vegas summer league that — as one scout put it — “Maybe they won’t be so much of a joke this season.’’"

That’s a fair point.

Carmelo Anthony will be the primary scoring option, but Porzingis’ presence will be vital to team success. Anthony is without a true No. 2 scorer to alleviate pressure, which means multiple players will take a run at being such a contributor.

If Porzingis can thrive in such a capacity, life would become significantly easier for ‘Melo and wins would come with more consistency for the Knicks.

Realistically, Porzingis will have his ups-and-downs during what will be a closely-watched rookie season. There will be games during which he looks like a star, and there will be just as many with him appearing lost—that’s just life for a 19-year-old in the NBA.

Fortunately, Porzingis is committed to doing whatever it takes to adjust to life in the association.

"“It was a new experience, how physical the game is,’’ Porzingis said Friday night. “Obviously I need to get stronger to prepare for the season and it’s something I’ll work on. I’ll work hard in the weight room, lifting weights. I don’t know how much, but I’m sure the Knicks will take care of that.’’"

Head coach Derek Fisher weighed in on Porzingis’ development, as well, admitting that New York is expecting something of an immediate impact:

"“He’s competed hard and shown people he does have a level of physicality,’’ Fisher said. “I got confirmation he’s not afraid.’’“There’s still a lot for him to learn: taking care of the basketball, valuing possessions, defensively, understanding personnel and what guys’ strengths are,’’ Fisher said. “You don’t draft guys that high in the first round without thinking they probably can help you quickly.’’"

The question is, how much can Porzingis offer from Day 1?

A shooter is going to shoot, and Porzingis’ touch and range should help him score early in his career. Having a 7’3″ goliath shooting jumpers all game isn’t exactly ideal, but it’s a good starting point for something bigger.

Defensively, his size and length should help disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses. He’s a potential shot-blocker with the upside to be an anchor.

Offensively, if he can space the floor and work from the elbow in the Triangle Offense, Porzingis can be an efficient contributor.

Regardless of what happens in 2014-15, the Knicks have invested the future of the team in Porzingis. He was the No. 4 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, which is a major statement unto itself.

In just over three months, Porzingis will take the court for the NBA regular season.

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