New York Knicks: Gifts to the Loyal Fans on Christmas Day

Dec 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) react after a shot by Porzingis (6) during second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kristaps Porzingis

Entering the 2015-16 NBA regular season, the general consensus was that Kristaps Porzingis wasn’t ready to immediately contribute. Through 30 games, the 20-year-old has silenced his critics.

For New York Knicks fans, Porzingis has been the greatest Christmas gift imaginable.

He’s been dunking over All-Stars, going toe-to-toe with legends, and blocking shots at a historic pace. He and Karl-Anthony Towns have emerged at the heart of the Rookie of the Year race, which is more than any fan expected of the Latvian big man.

The, “Three, four, five years before he’s ready,” prognosis has been proven inaccurate.

Thus far, Porzingis is averaging 13.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 offensive boards, 1.2 assists, 2.0 blocks, 0.7 steal and 1.0 3-point field goal made in 27.7 minutes of action. He’s started all 30 games for the Knicks and is No. 6 in the NBA in blocks per game.

If Porzingis is, indeed, the future of New York basketball, the Knicks are in good hands.