New York Knicks: Five Positive Takeaways From Preseason Opener

2. Kristaps Porzingis Was Spectacular

The New York Knicks have invested the future of the organization into 21-year-old phenom Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was selected at No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft and has since won the hearts of Knicks fans around the world.

In the preseason opener against the Houston Rockets, Porzingis didn’t just shine; he put on a show against Ryan Anderson, Clint Capela, and company.

Nothing was prettier than when Porzingis hit Capela with two pump fakes into a crossover dribble into a step-back jumper.

Starting at center, Porzingis was downright spectacular in his 27 minutes of action. He was lights out from beyond the arc, a defensive deterrent at the rim, and appeared to be more comfortable when operating along the offensive interior.

In his 27 minutes of court time, Porzingis posted 22 points, four rebounds, one offensive board, two blocks, one steal, and five 3-point field goals made.

Porzingis may not go 5-of-6 from beyond the arc very often, but this was a perfect look at what makes him so dangerous. He can play both interior positions by their traditional and contemporary definitions.

Whether he’s tasked with being a rim protector, a low-post scoring threat, or a floor-spacing 4, Porzingis can do it all. He proved as much against Houston.