Slash Line: .417/.346/.759
Career Averages: 9.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.2 3PM
Rounding out the group of players picked after Porzingis, Frank Kaminsky went five spots after the New York Knicks’ selection. The Charlotte Hornets made the four-year standout from Wisconsin the ninth overall pick — thrusting him into a young frontcourt that already featured Cody Zeller.
The rookie season was slow for Kaminsky, who played 81 games but only shot 41.0 percent. 2016-17 provided more starts but lower shooting percentages across the board.
There was more promise from the third year. Kaminsky shot 42.9 percent and 38.0 percent on three-pointers for 11.1 points. Low rebounding numbers diminished his impact, but it became by far his best NBA season.
2018-19 has not fared as well for the fourth-year man, however. His role to open the season was sporadic and it became difficult to grasp a consistent rotation spot.
Though since March 1, Kaminsky has played in each game, all of which as a reserve. That’s a positive for his future, especially with adequate shooting as a stretch four.
Without the supporting rebounding numbers, Kaminsky is likely a long-term reserve. If he continues improvement on three-pointers, there’s little question on league longevity, but other deficiencies in his game leave how long he stays in the NBA unknown.