New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Kristaps Porzingis

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Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) controls the ball as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Scoring

One could make a case that the most intriguing aspect of Kristaps Porzingis’ game is his upside as a scorer. He may not win a scoring title—by design, not inability—but he’ll be able to get buckets in an almost limitless number of ways.

Whether he’s scoring from the low post, converting the 3-point field goal, working from midrange, or attacking from the high post, Porzingis can already do a bit of everything.

Porzingis finished the 2015-16 season with an average of 14.3 points per game. That was certainly enough from a rookie, but many are hoping to see Porzingis improve his production during his second NBA season.

The truth of the matter is: the number is secondary in importance to merely executing with consistency and efficiency in 2016-17.

Porzingis posted a slash line of .421/.333/.838 during the 2015-16 season. The latter two numbers are desirable from a big man, but his field goal percentage should rise dramatically with a better team and coach helping him find his shots.

If nothing else, Porzingis’ rise in confidence should yield even better results than what was seen a season ago.

Realistic Expectations: 16.5 PPG, .450/.350/.800

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