New York Knicks: 2016-17 Quarter-Mark Award Winners
Most Improved Player: Kristaps Porzingis
It’d be silly to pretend this award should go to any player other than power forward Kristaps Porzingis. He’s evolved from a phenom into a deserving All-Star whose vast array of skills and moves is coagulating before our very eyes.
The statistics support Porzingis’ improvement, but his development ranges beyond statistics and into the fundamental progression he’s made.
Porzingis is far more confident with the ball in his hands in 2016-17 than he was during his rookie season. He’s driving and shooting with a purpose, which is a result of both his increased comfort with the NBA pace and his significantly more polished handles.
Perhaps the most significant development in Porzingis’ game is the patience with which he’s shooting—a product of him realizing just how big he is.
.@kporzee: "I'm realizing how long I am and how difficult it is to block my shots." #Knicks #NYKvsPOR
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 23, 2016
The statistics confirm the improvement.
Porzingis has scored at least 20 points in 11 of his 20 appearances in 2016-17 after doing so in 14 of his 72 appearances in 2015-16. He’s eclipsed 30 points twice in 2016-17 after failing to do so a single time in 2015-16.
Most importantly, Porzingis is averaging 3.5 more points per 36 minutes and has improved his efficiency by 4.9 percent from the field, 6.1 percent on 2-point field goals, and 5.8 percent on 3-point field goals.
Porzingis needs to rebound better and help the Knicks improve as a team on defense, but his progression as a scorer is vital to his career trajectory.