New York Knicks: 5 Areas Kristaps Porzingis Is Already Thriving

2. Scoring Versatility

In his current state, New York Knicks rising star Kristaps Porzingis doesn’t have a skill that he can consistently rely upon offensively. The development of such an ability would help him limit the length of his cold stretches, a la Dirk Nowitzki’s patented knee-up turnaround jumper.

While he may have certain areas that are stronger than others, one of Porzingis’ greatest strengths is his ability to score in such a wide variety of ways.

Porzingis needs to polish his game offensively, but he can already do more than most have ever been able to at his size. The 7’3″ power forward has 3-point range, is an assassin from midrange, can go to the post, and has even proven capable of taking an opponent off the bounce.

Even if he never develops an elite individual skill, Porzingis’ versatility enables him to bottom out as a high-level role player.

Porzingis made 81 3-point field goals—No. 16 amongst big men—and shot 43.9 percent from midrange. He mastered the art of the put-back dunk; his turnaround jumper proved effective; and he showed a healthily diverse arsenal of moves in the post.

Porzingis has work to do—shooting 32.3 percent in the paint simply will not cut it—but he already has the foundation for a dynamic offensive attack.

Next: No. 1