Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: 5 reasons Kristaps Porzingis will be an All-Star in 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

TARRYTOWN, NY - September 25: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Knicks Practice Center in Tarrytown, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - September 25: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Knicks Practice Center in Tarrytown, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Trevor Booker #35 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Trevor Booker #35 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

1. Supreme Versatility

Kevin Durant coined the nickname that may stick with Kristaps Porzingis throughout his NBA career: The Unicorn. It was a direct response to the unique versatility that Porzingis possesses on both ends of the floor.

If Porzingis builds upon the brilliant two-way performances that he put forth in 2015-16 and 2016-17, he should have no trouble making the All-Star Game in 2017-18.

In 2016-17, Porzingis became the first player in NBA history to average at least 18.0 points, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 three-point field goals made per game. He also became the first player in franchise history to record at least 100 blocks and 100 three-point field goals in a single season.

That historic sophomore campaign followed Porzingis becoming the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 three-point field goals made.

In year three of his NBA career, Porzingis will look to turn that supreme versatility into a complete two-way skill set. If he succeeds in doing so, the numbers will pale in comparison to the substance of his mere presence on the court.

Beyond the numbers, there are few players who can space the floor, go to the post, attack off the bounce, protect the rim, and switch on the pick and roll. Porzingis checks those boxes.

Must Read: 5 reasons Frank Ntilikina can win Rookie of the Year

It’s far from a guarantee, but New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis has a strong chance to become an All-Star in 2017-18.

Home/Knicks News