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New York Knicks: 5 players for Kristaps Porzingis to study

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks enters the arena before a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks enters the arena before a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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09 APR 2002: Dikembe Mutombo #55 of the Philadelphia 76ers holds the ball away from the reaching Ervin Johnson #40 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the NBA game at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DIGITAL IMAGE. Copyright 2002 NBAE. Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images
09 APR 2002: Dikembe Mutombo #55 of the Philadelphia 76ers holds the ball away from the reaching Ervin Johnson #40 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the NBA game at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DIGITAL IMAGE. Copyright 2002 NBAE. Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images /

5. Dikembe Mutombo

This may seem to be a surprising inclusion, but Dikembe Mutombo ranks amongst the greatest defensive players in NBA history. Kristaps Porzingis has the potential to join him in that esteem as a 7’3″ shot-blocker with unprecedented athleticism and coordination.

As Porzingis attempts to become the defensive anchor for the New York Knicks, few big men have set a better example of how to do so than Mutombo.

Mutombo is the NBA’s all-time leader in blocks, which is an obvious testament to his value on defense. He also won a record four Defensive Player of the Year awards, led the league in blocks on three separate occasions, and twice led the NBA in rebounding.

Mutombo also helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals, was a three-time All-NBA honoree, and was an eight-time All-Star.

As Porzingis looks to cut down on fouls and stabilize his offensive contributions, Mutombo should be amongst his primary film studies. Mutombo’s timing when contesting shots was remarkable, and his rebounding prowess can help show Porzingis how to improve on his weakness.

If the Knicks are lucky, Porzingis will learn from the dominance that Mutombo displayed on the defensive end of the floor.

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