2015-16: Historic Production
As previously alluded to, Kristaps Porzingis made the 2015-16 NBA All-Rookie First Team. He averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made in 28.4 minutes per game.
Beyond the averages, Porzingis became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made.
For perspective, only two other players achieved those marks in 2015-16: Draymond Green and Al Horford. Both Green and Horford were All-Stars, with the former being named to the 2016 All-NBA Second Team.
In turn, one is inclined to believe that, if Porzingis maintains his production and improves his efficiency, his historic production would garner All-Star consideration.
It’s also vital to note that Porzingis ranked in the Top 10 in blocks per game and the Top 20 in defensive field goal percentage at the rim in 2015-16. Thus, his defense could be as valuable to his All-Star bid as his offensive versatility.
Porzingis produced at a historic rate during the 2015-16 NBA regular season, and even a slight statistical uptick could be enough to create All-Star hype.