New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Making Critical Improvements
Lower Body Strength
The single most critical mistake a big man can make is to add to their upper body before they solidify their base. Having bulk up top is important, but adding weight requires the lower body strength to carry it.
Kristaps Porzingis is approaching this career-defining development in the perfect way.
Porzingis made it a point to improve his upper body strength leading into the 2015-16 season. It was a vital addition to his thin frame, but he’s since realized that he should’ve approached that process differently.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, Porzingis turned his focus to his lower body instead of simply adding bulk to his arms, chest, and shoulders.
"“Last offseason, we made a little mistake that all I did was work upper body and try to get bigger. This offseason, I really focused on my lower strength, my legs, my core, [to] make sure that it’s strong,” Porzingis said. “And that’s going to give me strength to be able to hold my ground defensively and offensively as well. My legs have gotten much stronger. When I’m driving, I’m able to stay lower. Defensively, I can be lower and quick on my feet.”"
The importance of that wise approach cannot be overstated.
Porzingis is a 7’3″ anomaly who enters his second NBA season with invaluable knowledge of what’s happened to other players at or near his height. Hip, knee, ankle, and foot problems have derailed the careers of countless players who stand at or above 7’0″ tall.
The best way to avoid or delay that slew of injuries is to solidify one’s lower body and make sure it’s strong and sturdy enough to carry the weight up top.
Porzingis only gained one pound since last season, but that’s primarily because he focused on weight distribution. Adding mass isn’t the top priority; what matters most is ensuring that his body is properly structured to handle the potential addition of upper body bulk.
What Porzingis has done this summer could go a long way towards extending his career and improving his overall bill of health.