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New York Knicks: Top 5 Breakout Preseason Performers

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) and Washington Wizards guard Casper Ware (17) exchanges words during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) and Washington Wizards guard Casper Ware (17) exchanges words during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Kristaps Porzingis

If you had any doubts pertaining to whether or not Kristaps Porzingis was working hard enough this offseason, the preseason likely eradicated your skepticism. Beyond the numbers, Porzingis has a new arsenal of moves and a craftiness that no player his size has displayed before.

Between crossover dribbles, step-back jumpers, up-and-under layups, and unexpectedly coordinated plays in transition, Porzingis did it all.

Porzingis opened the preseason with a 22-point performance against the Houston Rockets. He tallied 12 points and six rebounds in 19 minutes the next time out and posted 15 points against the Washington Wizards.

Porzingis’ 20-point, three-block, and two-steal game against the Boston Celtics was his most well-rounded effort, as he scored along the interior and dominated defensively.

The numbers are impressive, but his success in the preseason was more about the progress he’s made physically and fundamentally. His lower body strength has clearly improved, and his offensive skill set is significantly more diverse.

Porzingis is ready to make a leap towards star status and, potentially, receive an All-Star Game bid in 2016-17.

Must Read: NBA Scouts Offer Their Take On The 2016-17 New York Knicks

If Porzingis can carry his preseason success over into the regular season, then the New York Knicks could make the 2017 NBA Playoffs.

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