New York Knicks: Every Starter’s Most Underrated Skill

Kristaps Porzingis

Position: Power Forward
Age: 21 (8/2/1995)
Slash Line: .421/.333/.829
Season Averages: 28.4 MPG, 14.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 1.3 APG, 1.9 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.1 3PM

Kristaps Porzingis is a shot-blocking menace who can shoot the 3-ball and play above the rim. Every one of those traits has been established and appreciated by the masses during his rise to prominence.

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Porzingis’ game is just how far he’s already come in his early development as a post player.

Porzingis is still raw as a post player, but his arsenal of moves are well beyond the unwritten standards for modern big men. In 2015-16, he pulled out Dream Shakes with up-and-under finishes and beautiful turnarounds that left Madison Square Garden in awe.

There may be work to be done, but Porzingis is already a skilled enough post player to be a threat with his back to the basket.

The two keys for Porzingis will be improving his timing and putting on weight. He struggled to consistently go to the post against stronger players as a rookie, and often rushed his shot when he managed to gain position.

Porzingis is working tirelessly to improve upon both of those relative weaknesses, which is frightening news for the Knicks.

Next: Center