4. The European Movement
The New York Knicks have embraced the European movement in professional basketball. Kristaps Porzingis jumpstarted the process in 2015-16, but he’s not the only international standout on the Knicks’ roster.
During the season opener, the Knicks’ international players stepped up with a solid and impressive showing in defeat.
Porzingis finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, four offensive boards, a steal, and three 3-point field goals made in 33 minutes. Mindaugas Kuzminskas scored seven points in nine minutes and Willy Hernangomez had four points and an offensive rebound in nine minutes of play.
It may not have been a groundbreaking performance, but it was certainly intriguing enough to believe in the upside of all three players.
Porzingis has established himself as a star on the rise, but Hernangomez and Kuzminskas aren’t yet known. That could soon change, as both players have the offensive versatility to make a consistent and productive impact.
It wasn’t the best performance of their respective careers, but Porzingis, Kuzminskas, and Hernangomez are three players to watch.