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

By Maxwell Ogden

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 11: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks is introduced before a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 11, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 11: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks is introduced before a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 11, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot by Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot by Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Anchor The Defense

The New York Knicks are coming off of one of the worst defensive seasons in franchise history. New York ranked No. 23 in points allowed per game, No. 25 in points allowed per 100 possessions, and No. 30 in second chance points allowed.

If the Knicks are going to improve on the defensive end of the floor, then Porzingis must take another step towards reaching his Defensive Player of the Year potential.

Offense is fun to talk about, but Porzingis’ size, length, and instincts are too profound to ignore the defensive possibilities. He’s already one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA, ranking in the top-10 in blocks per game in 2015-16, and the top-5 in 2016-17.

As impressive as that is, Porzingis must work with Hornacek to design a defensive role that better fits his greatest value to the Knicks: His rim protection.

Porzingis will shoulder the biggest offensive load of his career in 2016-17, but that’s even more reason to station him in the paint. He’s a walking deterrent to any slasher who wants to test New York’s interior, which could thus neutralize an entire aspect of an opponent’s game plan.

Porzingis has struggled with foul trouble, but that’s more a product of him trying to cover too much ground on defense. New York must simplify his role and make him the anchor.

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