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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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Mar 22, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 Status

The biggest question surrounding Kristaps Porzingis will be one that surrounds him until it’s answered: can he be the No. 1 scoring option? He’s made tremendous progress, but he himself will admit how much pressure Carmelo Anthony alleviates.

During the 2016-17 NBA regular season, Porzingis looked the part of a true No. 2—but not yet a No. 1 scoring option.

In 2016-17, Porzingis became the first player in Knicks history to record at least 100 blocks and 100 3-point field goals made in the same season. In 2015-16, he 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.

The numbers strongly establish that it’s only a matter of time, health, and commitment before Porzingis can be a true No. 1 star.

Porzingis’ handles have improved to the point that he can create his own shot in isolation. The only way for him to truly prove that he can be the No. 1 star, however, is by being thrown to wolves and prove he can fend for himself.

It would be wise for Phil Jackson and Jeff Hornacek to put that development off for another season, but it’s going to happen sooner rather than later.

Must Read: Five reasons to trade for Jae Crowder

No matter how you my feel about Carmelo Anthony, the future of the New York Knicks runs through Kristaps Porzingis.

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