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New York Knicks: 5 Areas Kristaps Porzingis Is Already Thriving

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the paint during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won111-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the paint during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won111-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) battle for a loose ball during second half at Madison Square Garden. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) battle for a loose ball during second half at Madison Square Garden. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Work Ethic

This may seem like an odd thing it put on the list, but Kristaps Porzingis is a workhorse. He readily acknowledges his flaws, doesn’t accept them as inevitable weaknesses, and does everything takes to improve upon them.

You can teach a lot of things in basketball, but only the player can determine the strength of their work ethic.

The greatest example of Porzingis’ desire for greatness is the transformation his body underwent in 2015-16. He weighed a reported 220 pounds at the time he was drafted, began the season at 232, and is already working towards adding more muscle mass to his body.

During his exit interview, Porzingis told reporters that his goal is to add 10-to-13 pounds with a target weight of 245 for the 2016-17 season.

Porzingis also outlined a desire to improve his general athleticism and footwork. The reason for his wanting to do so isn’t so he can dunk or score more; it’s so he can improve his defense and have an easier time switching onto perimeter players.

Porzingis wants to be great, and is willing to put a work in. That’s as grand of a strength as one can possess.

Next: No. 4

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