New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis playing like a franchise player

It’s only been four games, but thus far, New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis is playing like a legitimate franchise player.

The general population has supported the belief that New York Knicks phenom Kristaps Porzingis will flourish as a franchise player. For as optimistic as the fan base has become about Porzingis, however, the unfortunate reality is that he’d yet to receive the opportunity to prove as much entering 2017-18.

It’s only been four regular season games, but thus far, Porzingis is progressively establishing that he’s built for the pressure.

New York is 1-3 through four games, but Porzingis has been the last player to blame. He’s put forth three of the best performances of his brief NBA career. In turn, he’s made history that puts him in the same conversation as a young Patrick Ewing.

More importantly, Porzingis has supported the belief that he can be a franchise player by performing at that very level on the court.

Porzingis began the 2017-18 regular season by posting 31 points and 12 rebounds during a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Porzingis followed that eruption by posting 33 points in a 111-107 loss to Tobias Harris and the Detroit Pistons.

After struggling against the Boston Celtics, Porzingis was brilliant again against the cross-city rival Brooklyn Nets.

It was a well-rounded performance by the Knicks, but once again, it was Porzingis who took on the featured role offensively.

The 22-year-old phenom torched the Nets for 30 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and a steal on 13-of-24 shooting from the field. It was the third time in four games that Porzingis had scored at least 30 points.

That tremendous start to the 2017-18 NBA regular season has enabled Porzingis to be mentioned alongside Ewing in the record books.

The legend of Porzingis has been growing since the day he was drafted, and he’s beginning to realize his unprecedented potential.

Beyond the numbers, Porzingis has abandoned what was often misconstrued for a three-centric approach to the game. He’s setting up shop in the mid and low post areas, and using his size to be able to finish over defenders and through contact.

It’s become the foundation for Porzingis’ expected leap to individual stardom, as well as a crutch for the offense to rest on when all else fails.

Only time will tell if he can maintain this production, but he’s currently averaging a career-best 26.5 points per game.

The question moving forward pertains to whether or not Porzingis can lead the Knicks to team success. The question of the hour, however, is as simple as pondering how good Porzingis can be if he continues to put the time in.

If his play in the first four games of the 2017-18 regular season is any indication, then the Latvian phenom should have no trouble leading New York to the playoffs.

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Maintaining this level of play will be no easy task, Kristaps Porzingis has established himself as one of the most promising players in New York Knicks history.