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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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NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Patrick Ewing #33 of the New York Knicks slam dunks against the Miami Heat on December 19, 1995 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Patrick Ewing #33 of the New York Knicks slam dunks against the Miami Heat on December 19, 1995 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing played with a grand total of zero Hall of Famers during his illustrious NBA career. Nevertheless, he led the New York Knicks to 13 consecutive postseason appearances and two trips to the NBA Finals.

If Porzingis is eager to learn how to overcome the stress that comes with being a star in New York City, then Ewing will have the longest list of answers.

Ewing endured every high and low that contemporary Knicks stars have faced, but his effort never wavered. He left it all on the court every time out, and thus earned the eternal respect and admiration of fans around the NBA.

More importantly, Ewing successfully balanced anchoring New York’s defense with being the go-to scorer on offense—a burden Porzingis may soon be tasked with.

Ewing may not have shot the three-ball, but he had a gorgeous midrange game, a respected proficiency in the post, and a legendary defensive presence. Beyond his abilities, he was mentally tough and withstood a great deal of media punishment.

Between what he did on the court and how he handled himself off of it, Ewing set an excellent example for Porzingis to follow.

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