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New York Knicks: Five Reasons Kristaps Porzingis Needs To Train With Dirk Nowitzki

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 7, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Mike Miller (3) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Mike Miller (3) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Becoming The No. 1 Scorer, Part II

Once Kristaps Porzingis has mentally prepared himself for the dream and nightmare of being the No. 1 scoring option, he must know how to score at virtual will. That’s quite the expectation, but it’s what’s required of a No. 1 scorer—perhaps even more so in a motion offense.

The ideal system is run when the ball doesn’t stick in any one place. When the shots stop falling, however, the No. 1 scorer must know how to get an easy bucket.

Few players have been better in that regard than Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. His coaches have preached ball movement and teamwork, but when Dallas can’t buy a bucket, Nowitzki is there to bail them out.

Whether it’s the triangle offense or another system, the Knicks will need Porzingis to develop a similar ability to make the run-stopping shots.

Porzingis already has a lethal jump shot and the foundation for an unstoppable post game. In addition to bulking up, however, he must polish the versatile skill set that he already possesses by developing shots that he can trust in a pinch.

Whether that’s a post move or a dribble drive, Nowitzki can help Porzingis figure out which shots and spots are his strongest, and how to make them truly unpredictable.

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