New York Knicks: Players Who Must Step Up Against Memphis Grizzlies

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) celebrates with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) celebrates with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-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

3. Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis has become the source of optimism for an otherwise pessimistic New York Knicks fanbase. Even when he struggles, Porzingis still manages to provide Knicks fans with reasons to believe that the future is bright.

The signs of potential are intriguing, but the Knicks will need more than glimpses of Porzingis’ upside against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Porzingis opened the 2016-17 NBA regular season with 16 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and a steal on 5-of-13 shooting from the field. He was 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, but was also 3-of-6 at the free throw line.

Matched up against one of the best interiors in the NBA, Porzingis will need to put it all together to help the Knicks avoid an even worse start to the season.

Zach Randolph will pound it inside, JaMychal Green is an athletic stretch 4, and Marc Gasol is an All-NBA center who can dominate from the high post. On both ends of the floor, Porzingis must hold his own against Memphis’ powerful interior.

The good news for the Knicks: Porzingis averaged 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 1.0 steal, and 2.0 3-point field goals made on a slash line of .542/.500/.800 against Memphis in 2016-17.