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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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Mar 23, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) during the first half of the game at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) during the first half of the game at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Post Play

As previously alluded to, Kristaps Porzingis has a vast array of post moves. His post game has been generally inconsistent, however, as the flashes of brilliance have intrigued the masses, but the execution has been unreliable.

If any player can help Porzingis develop a better understanding of how to effectively go to the post, Dirk Nowitzki would be near the top of the list.

Nowitzki has made a living out of hitting players with his patented turnaround, knee-up jump shot. It’s a flawless post move that’s not only highly effective, but almost impossible to block due to the angle it’s shot at.

Porzingis has utilized that very shot during his young career, but if he were to work directly with Nowitzki, he could make strides towards perfecting it.

Beyond that individual shot, Nowitzki is one of the best in NBA history at maintaining body and ball control in the post. Whether the defender is his size, bigger, or smaller, he utilizes his body and footwork to create separation, and smoothly transitions into perfect shooting form.

Porzingis will need to add significant muscle mass over an extended period of time to naturally develop into a more effective post player, but Nowitzki can help him polish his skill set.

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