Knicks: How Kristaps Porzingis Can Make NBA History

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (46) shoots over the defense of Philadelphia 76ers guard Scottie Wilbekin (18) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas and Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

4. 3-Point FG

If there’s one thing that Kristaps Porzingis does well, it’s shoot the ball. The range on his jump shot is without limit, and that’s a major reason why he was selected in the Top 5 of the 2015 NBA Draft.

There are no shortage of sharpshooters across the world, but there aren’t too many who stand at 7’3″.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, only two players in NBA history have made at least 30 3-point field goals at 7’1″ or taller. Those players were the 7’3” Arvydas Sabonis in 1995-96, 1996-97 and 1997-98, and the 7’1” Meyers Leonard in 2014-15.

Porzingis, who stands at 7’3”, could make or exceed that mark of 50 in 2015-16.

Beyond joining Leonard and Sabonis at 30-plus, Porzingis could become the first 7’1″ or taller player to make at least 50. Per Basketball-Reference.com, Sabonis holds the current record at 49.

50 is a daunting task, but it’s possible.

If Porzingis were to play in a modest 65 games as a rookie, he’d need to average roughly 0.8 3-point field goals made per outing—a mark that only eight rookies tallied in 2014-15.

Only nine rookies converted at least 50 3-point field goals in 2014-15, regardless of position. 22 total power forwards did it, as well as the positionally ambiguous Boris Diaw and Kelly Olynyk.

If there’s any statistical mark that Porzingis could reach in 2015-16, it’s this one. If healthy, he’ll have the opportunity to do so.

Attempts likely won’t be the issue.

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