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New York Knicks: 5 Upside Comparisons For Kristaps Porzingis

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett reacts from the bench during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Garnett

Years Active: 1995 to 2016
Position: Power Forward, Center
Career Averages: 34.5 MPG, 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.3 SPG
Career Statistics: 26,071 points, 14,662 rebounds, 3,209 offensive rebounds, 5,445 assists, 2,037 blocks, 1,859 steals

If all you remember about Kevin Garnett is his time with the Boston Celtics, then you missed out on a revolutionary career. Before small forwards were playing power forward, Garnett was a true 4 who could do it all on both ends of the floor.

Though he projects to be more proficient as a scorer, Kristaps Porzingis has the upside to be the same type of all-around threat as Garnett was.

Before KG was a defensive anchor who lived at the top of the key in Boston, he did it all in Minnesota. He was a perimeter and interior defender; a post scorer and a midrange marksman; a high-post facilitator and a big man with handles.

From 1999 to 2005, Garnett averaged 22.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.9 offensive boards, 5.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.

Porzingis has the potential to mirror Garnett’s production and versatility. He has the tools to be a better scorer, but may take the Garnett and Tim Duncan route of spreading his focus across multiple areas.

It’s also worth noting that Garnett is a first ballot Hall of Famer despite having never added significant weight to his frame.

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