New York Knicks: How Concerning Are Kristaps Porzingis’ Injuries?
The injury list is pilling up and becoming a point of concern for New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis. Could early injuries be a sign of fragility?
For New York Knicks fans, It seems that every Kristaps Porzingis stretch of tantalizing play has an equally worrisome injury to go along with it. Though it’s too soon to overreact, Porzingis is showing early signs of fragility.
KP has blessed New York with early play that has inspired confidence and hope for the future. He has displayed uncanny gracefulness running the floor at 7’3″. His jumper is money from anywhere on the court and he’s a stellar rim protector.
No matter how great a player KP can be down the line, none of it will matter if he can’t stay on the court.
Porzingis has an eerily similar injury history through his first year-and-a-half to Anthony Davis.
From December of 2013 to January of 2015 (approximately one year and one month), Davis suffered six different injuries. This trend has continued. Davis has compiled one of the most jaw-dropping injury lists in the NBA.
None of his injuries are chronic or recurring, instead injuring something different every time. Davis has already missed 72 games due to injury in five seasons.
Porzingis is showing a discouraging resemblance to Davis. Two transcendent talents that have shown ability and fragility. Using the same timetable for Porzingis, it’s essential to legitimize the case being made.
From January of 2016 until February of 2017 (approximately one year and one month), Porzingis suffered six different injuries. He has injured his left Achilles, left groin, left leg, right shoulder, right ankle, and right foot.
The disturbing thing about Porzingis’ injuries is that they’re not coincidental. Towering big men have a lengthy history with lower-extremity injuries.
Greg Oden’s career ended before it started because of knee injuries. Sam Bowie, picked ahead of Michael Jordan, was supposed to create a dynasty with Clyde Drexler. His legs never held up and he became a “what if” player.
Yao Ming had his career cut short due to foot injuries. Ralph Sampson had the potential to become the greatest center to ever play basketball. Instead, he played only 441 games out of a possible 820, and his career was derailed by knee injuries.
The list goes on: Bill Walton, Jonathan Bender, Arvydas Sabonis, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Chris Webber, just to name a few.
The good thing about Porzingis’ injuries is that, for the most part, they’re not to crucial areas of the body like the knee, the back, or his his feet.
Porzingis has grit and grind that shines through every time he takes the court. His play style is focused and determined. He’s a warrior and a fighter who wont back down from any fight.
This is an encouraging aspect of KP’s career that will transfer over to the maintenance of his body. He’s still young, like Davis, and could even still be growing.
Injuries are expected in the NBA, but the rate and diversity of his injuries are concerning.
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Kristaps Porzingis will have to work with the New York Knicks’ medical staff to find ways to better prepare his body for the coming years of putting the team on his back.