New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Is A Basketball Anomaly

Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie Season For The Ages

Being the tallest sharpshooter ever is reason enough to believe that Kristaps Porzingis deserves to be called unique. A a rookie, however, Porzingis proved to be far more than just a tall European player who could shoot the 3-ball.

In 2015-16, 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.

Porzingis recorded 1,028 points, 526 rebounds, 134 blocks, and 81 3-point field goals made as a rookie. For perspective, only two other players recorded at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 80 3-point field goals in 2015-16.

Those players were All-NBA Second Team honoree Draymond Green and All-Star big man Al Horford.

Porzingis’ versatility isn’t limited to being tall and shooting the 3-ball; he does just about everything at a high level. There are still areas in which he must improve, but his all-time rookie season set the stage for an all-time career.

Considering Porzingis was doing as a rookie what only All-Stars were able to do, his upside is clear and incredible.