Kristaps Porzingis Is A Lot More NBA Ready Than Expected

Potentially Elite Defender, Part I

While his offensive progression is further along than most expected, one of the major surprises of Porzingis’ Summer League showing was his defensive adeptness.

In the weeks leading up to the draft, many scouting reports on him read very similarly to your conventional European prospect: great size, high offensive potential, and soft on the defensive end of the floor.

In his four Summer League performances, however, Porzingis proved to the basketball world something previously unforeseen. Not only is he already a competent defender, but he has the potential to develop into an elite one.

Porzingis sports almost all of the attributes necessary to excel on defense. His feline quickness and gargantuan length enable him to stay in front of his man and protect the rim with equal proficiency, something he consistently displayed this summer.

He more often than not finds himself outmuscled in the post by powerful big men, but that problem is easily correctable if he manages to add muscle to his lanky physique.

Next: Could He Be Elite?