New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Making Critical Improvements
Shooting
Kristaps Porzingis has the size, length, and mechanics to be one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. His stroke is effortless, his footwork is advanced, and his release point makes his shot all but impossible to block.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, head coach Jeff Hornacek sees a significant improvement in the way Porzingis is shooting.
"“I think he’s improved greatly from last year just watching him shoot,” Hornacek said Thursday. “He’s really feeling confident about the shot. His corner 3s seem like they’re automatic. The one 3 that he made and the other 3 that he missed that went in and out [in Thursday’s scrimmage], they both were from about 4-5 feet from behind the line. So he’s got the range.”"
Porzingis has the raw ability to light teams up from distance. It’s encouraging to know he’s becoming more comfortable with the shot.
Team president Phil Jackson touched upon the fact that Porzingis rushed his shots during an interview with Charley Rosen of Today’s Fastbreak. He cited that very truth as the reason for Porzingis’ relatively low shooting percentages.
Porzingis converted 81 3-point field goals in 2015-16, but shot just 42.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Teams can live with a big man shooting 33.3 percent from distance, but Porzingis has the potential to be at and above 40 percent. It’s hardly concerning that he shot 33.3 percent as a rookie, but it’s still something that needs to be improved upon.
With improving range and confidence, the 7’3″ unicorn is building up to a season of unprecedented success for a player his size. You know, again.