New York Knicks: 5 Reasons NY Will Make The Playoffs

3. Kristaps Porzingis: Natural Development

Kristaps Porzingis is one of the most tantalizing young players in the NBA. A unanimous selection to the 2016 All-Rookie First Team, Porzingis is well on his way to becoming one of the most dynamic players in NBA history.

Thus, while there’s no way to accurately project how good he’ll be next season, it stands to reason that Porzingis will progress.

Porzingis finished his rookie season with averages of 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made per game. He averaged the most points, rebounds, and blocks by a Knicks rookie since Patrick Ewing in 1985-86.

Most impressively, Porzingis became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals.

Porzingis has added muscle to his frame and is working tirelessly to polish his skill set. The organization has maintained its stance that he should build his body and game progressively, which is the proper approach to take.

If Porzingis takes the next step in his development in 2016-17, then that alone should make the Knicks a more legitimate postseason contender.

Next: Getting The Legs Back