New York Knicks: Who stood out during preseason opener?

Kristaps Porzingis

In his first game as the franchise player, Kristaps Porzingis managed to grind through an up-and-down experience. Overall, it was a game that proved Porzingis is willing to go out of his comfort zone if it helps him grow into his role as the No. 1 scoring option.

That much was firmly established by the fact that Porzingis took 14 shots against the Brooklyn Nets, and only one was a three-point field goal—a significant change in approach.

Porzingis buried six of his 14 field goal attempts, as well as all three of his free throw attempts. That translated to 15 points, five rebounds, one offensive board, one assist, two blocks, and a steal in 22 impressive minutes of action.

Between drives to the basket, rim runs in transition, post-ups on smaller defenders, and wise commitments off of high screens, Porzingis did it all as a scorer.

A willingness to play inside displays an understanding of how his role has changed. Porzingis being able to bury three-point field goals is an incredibly valuable trait, but the reality is that a 7’3″ player who lives as a jump shooter is neutralizing their greatest advantage: Size.

Porzingis seems to be realizing just how much of an edge his size gives him over the competition, which is a development that could alone alter the trajectory of the New York Knicks.