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New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Kristaps Porzingis

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball over Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) battle for a loose ball during second half at Madison Square Garden. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) battle for a loose ball during second half at Madison Square Garden. The Denver Nuggets defeated the New York Knicks 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

Though it’s his scoring versatility that’s most commonly heralded, Kristaps Porzingis’ most significant upside is on defense. An athletic and coordinated 7’3″ power forward who can spend extended time at center, Porzingis has the potential for dominance.

Nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, but if Porzingis works hard and remains healthy, then he should be a perennial candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Porzingis made an immediate impact on defense in 2015-16. He ranked No. 8 in the NBA with an average of 1.86 blocks per game and cracked the Top 20 in defensive field goal percentage at the rim at 47.7 percent.

With Porzingis and Robin Lopez anchoring the defensive interior, the New York Knicks ranked No. 1 in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage at the rim.

The beauty of Porzingis’ game is that he moves his feet well enough to switch off of the pick and roll. He can work the baseline, effortlessly move out to the perimeter, and block the shots of even the most athletic slashers.

Porzingis’ blocks per game average could decline because of an imposed reluctance to attack the rack, but he has the tools and instincts to be over 2.0.

Realistic Expectation: 2.0 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 45.0 DFG% at the rim

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