Daily Knicks
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks blocks an attempt to score from D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11, 2016 during their NBA match in Los Angeles, California. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks blocks an attempt to score from D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11, 2016 during their NBA match in Los Angeles, California. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) /

1. Defensive Potential

There aren’t many players who can both defend and score at star-caliber levels. It’s fair to state that Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t yet reached that status, but the early signs indicate that he could be one of the rare two-way players.

The New York Knicks could potentially acquire a better scorer than Porzingis is or ever will be, but that wouldn’t be worth the defensive sacrifice.

Porzingis stands at 7’3″ with a 7’4″ wingspan. John Brinkus of ESPN hosted Porzingis for an in-depth evaluation of what type of defensive deterrent he truly is, and came to the conclusion that shooting over Porzingis at full extension is the equivalent of shooting over a charter bus.

Porzingis has put those skills to use with his shot-blocking and general deterrence, as evidenced by his ranking of No. 4 in opponent field goal percentage at the rim in 2016-17.

Beyond his rim protection, Porzingis has been developing into a versatile defensive player. He’s still polishing his fundamentals, but he’s already displaying a willingness to step out to the 3-point line, as well as an ability to switch on the pick and roll.

As Porzingis improves his footwork and upper and lower body strength, the result could be a Defensive Player of the Year award.

Must Read: Five games to look forward to in 2017-18

The New York Knicks have a rare opportunity to build around an elite defensive anchor who can also be a go-to scorer. Trading Kristaps Porzingis shouldn’t be an option.

Home/Knicks News