New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Kristaps Porzingis

3-Point Shooting

There are a number of areas that could be highlighted here, including Kristaps Porzingis’ health and availability. He played in 72 of a possible 82 game in 2015-16, but that was more the result of precaution than genuine injury.

The question that the New York Knicks are likely asking Porzingis is as follows: how consistently can you let the 3-point field goal fly?

Porzingis made 81 3-point field goals in 72 games in 2015-16, which is more than ideal from a power forward. He was tied for No. 14 amongst power forwards in 3-point field goals made, and his shooting mark of 33.3 percent was respectable.

Under head coach Jeff Hornacek, who has acknowledged that New York will run more pick and pop with Porzingis this year, the 21-year-old will need to be even better.

Porzingis will see a rise in 3-point field goal attempts, which means he should see an increase in 3-point field goals made. 100 is a fair and realistic goal, and 150—roughly 2.0 per game, depending on the number of games played—could be within the realm of possibility.

Porzingis won’t live and die by the 3-point shot, but he’ll be playing with two penetrating point guards who can kick it back out. He just needs to convert.

Realistic Expectation: 125 3-Point Field Goals Made, 1.5 Per Game, 35.0%