New York Knicks: Realistic goals for Kristaps Porzingis in 2017-18

4. Shoot With Confidence

For all that Phil Jackson did to alienate the masses, he offered necessary constructive criticism of Kristaps Porzingis after the 7’3″ phenom’s rookie season. He questioned why it is that such a good shooter was struggling to knock down shots.

Jackson came to the conclusion that Porzingis didn’t realize how much of an advantage his height truly was, and was thus rushing his shots—a realization that KP later came to himself.

Come 2017-18, Porzingis should show no hesitation when the ball finds him and a shot is his intention. He shoots from well above his head, which creates a release point that a vast majority of NBA players are unable to come close to altering.

Porzingis will be more than a stationary shooter in 2017-18, of course, but in catch and shoot situations, he must not be afraid to let the ball fly.

In other situations, Porzingis’ height could be an even greater strength from a scoring perspective. He should be able to bank shots in from 12-to-16 feet with regularity, and should face futile resistance when he attacks the rim.

It can be frustrating to have a drive to the basket stymied, but Porzingis will make the most significant of leaps when he realizes how much of an advantage his size truly is.