New York Knicks: What Every Starter Has To Prove

5 of 7

Dec 4, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends against Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) in the 2nd half at Madison Square Garden.New York Knicks won 108-91. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Kristaps Porzingis: He’s No Fluke

Position: Power Forward
Age: 21 (8/2/1995)
Slash Line: .421/.333/.838
Season Averages: 28.4 MPG, 14.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.1 3PM

If the New York Knicks have entrusted the immediate future to Carmelo Anthony, then the long-term vision will be made or broken by Kristaps Porzingis. He certainly looked the part of a future franchise player during his rookie season.

For as gifted and productive as he may be, the Knicks need Porzingis to do what very few have succeeded in doing: he must prove he that isn’t a flash in the pan.

Porzingis had a historically productive rookie season. He became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made, and averaged the most points, rebounds, and blocks by a Knicks rookie since Patrick Ewing.

There have been many unanimous selections to the 2016 All-Rookie First Team, however, which makes Porzingis’ accolades nothing more than a sign of what he can do.

In 2016-17, Porzingis and the Knicks are thinking playoffs, which means there’s no time for a sophomore slump. Porzingis is facing high expectations, and opposing defenses won’t make it easy for him now that they know what he can do.

Many players have excelled as rookies. It’s now on Porzingis to prove what Knicks fans know: he’s more than a flash in the pan.

Home/Knicks News