Grading every New York Knicks first-round draft pick since 2013

2015 NBA Draft: PF/C Kristaps Porzingis, A

This time around, the Knicks took Kristaps Porzingis fourth overall. While many laughed at this pick when it happened, it turns out Phil Jackson actually made the correct decision. Things didn’t end like many wanted them to, but there’s no doubt that Porzingis was and still is a very good player.

In the three seasons Porzingis spent with the Knicks, he averaged 17.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field and 36.1% from three on 4.2 attempts. However, a torn ACL in 2017 combined with some poor front-office decisions caused Porzingis’s career in New York to be cut short.

Since then, Porzingis has played for the Mavericks and Wizards where he has remained a very good player. In fact, Porzingis had arguably his best season with the Wizards in 2022-23.

Many rumored a potential return to the Knicks for Porzingis in recent seasons. However, with the Celtics being close to acquiring him, it seems as if that dream is dead.