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New York Knicks: Five reasons Kristaps Porzingis shouldn’t be traded for Kyrie Irving

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 09: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden on November 9, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 09: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden on November 9, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 20: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a basketball game at Staples Center March 20, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 20: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a basketball game at Staples Center March 20, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

4. The Early Results

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

Just two seasons into his NBA career, Porzingis is already finding ways to reinvent the wheel as far as what’s expected of players at his position.

Beyond the statistics, Porzingis has displayed a dynamic ability to impact games in multiple phases. His 3-point shooting ranks amongst the best of the bigs in the modern NBA, and his ability to drive the lane is nothing short of unique.

Coupled with an improving ability to create with his back to the basket, the 7’3″ phenom is a matchup nightmare who’s still figuring out how to play his game.

Defensively, Porzingis has ranked in the Top 10 in blocks per game in each of the past two seasons. He’s already a deterrent in the paint, and is working tirelessly to be able to flash out to the perimeter and pick up stretch 4s.

It’s still early in his NBA career, but Porzingis is already one of the most well-rounded power forwards in the NBA—and he’s showing no signs of slowing down in his improvement.

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