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New York Knicks: Tracking Kristaps Porzingis’ Progress Through 2016-17

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) high fives fans as he enters the court for warmups prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) high fives fans as he enters the court for warmups prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Scoring

The New York Knicks were hoping to see Kristaps Porzingis develop into a high-level scorer during his second NBA season. Although there were some examples of inconsistency, Porzingis made intriguing progress as far as his scoring ability is concerned.

The progress won’t be truly tangible until the 21-year-old adds significant muscle mass to his frame, but his skill set is coming along well.

Porzingis finished the 2016-17 NBA regular season with averages of 18.1 points and 1.7 3-point field goals made in 32.8 minutes per game. He did so on a slash line of .450/.357/.786—stark increases from his marks of 42.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from distance in 2015-16.

It’s also worth noting that Porzingis made improvements from 18.1 points and 1.4 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes in 2015-16 to marks of 19.9 and 1.9 in his second season.

Not only did he improve from a volume and efficiency perspective, but his skill set is becoming more dynamic. His handles have dramatically improved, which has enabled him to not only drive on opponents, but hit them with a smooth step-back jump shot.

Porzingis’ post game continues to impress, but until he bulks up, he will be relatively limited with his back to the basket.

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