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New York Knicks: Five Reasons Kristaps Porzingis Shouldn’t Be Traded

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during warmups before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during warmups before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) takes a shot against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) takes a shot against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Defensive Potential

The most common complaint amongst New York Knicks fans is that Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t proven capable of scoring at the same level as Carmelo Anthony. That’s a fair complaint, as Porzingis hasn’t exactly been groomed for that crucial role.

True as that may be, there’s one area in which Porzingis is miles ahead of Anthony and most others his age: defensive value, potential, and execution.

As previously alluded to, Porzingis is one of five players in Knicks history to record at least 100 blocks in multiple seasons. That’s the foundation of what makes him such an intriguing defensive prospect: he’s an athletic and coordinated 7’3″ big man who can protect the rim.

Due to his combination of length, size, and coordination, he has the potential to be an elite pick and roll defender, as well as a tremendous asset when flashing out to the perimeter.

Porzingis admittedly struggled on defense in 2016-17, but that was due in large part to his expanded role. Jeff Hornacek ran Porzingis out to the 3-point line on a consistent basis and tested his ability to play a role comparable to what Kevin Garnett did for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If the Knicks were to give up on Porzingis now, they’d be trading away a potential Defensive Player of the Year before he reaches his peak.

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