New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns Changing NBA

What Makes Porzingis Special?

No matter what the numbers have said, New York Knicks fans have remained uncharacteristically optimistic about Kristaps Porzingis. The driving force behind that optimism has been the pure and unfiltered passion that Porzingis plays with on a nightly basis.

Porzingis has the work ethic of a superstar off the court, the motor of a superstar on it, and a skill set that has resembled everyone from Dirk Nowitzki to Hakeem Olajuwon.

As for the numbers, Porzingis is the first and only rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made. He had the highest points, rebounds, and blocks per game averages by any Knicks rookie since Patrick Ewing in 1985-86.

Beyond the numbers, Porzingis is a coordinated and athletic 7’3″ big man with positional versatility, proficiency in the post, 3-point range, and a tight handle.

Defensively, Porzingis has the potential to emulate 2008 Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett in the way he switches off of pick and rolls and defends multiple positions. Offensively, Porzingis has drawn apt comparisons to Nowitzki—the 2007 MVP.

With the ability to shoot over defenders without leaving his feet, block shots without leaving his feet, and dominate the boards without leaving his feet, the sky is the limit for Porzingis.