New York Knicks 6 Takeaways From The Preseason

Porzingis Can Help Right Away

Oct 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dunks the ball over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

While Kristaps Porzingis obviously has some work to do, as any 20-year old would in their rookie season of the NBA, he has proven that he will be a useful commodity when on the court.

Porzingis’ size alone will be an advantage. While he could still add more strength and weight to his frame, we have seen him struggle in the low post on both ends of the court, his length will be an asset from the onset. His jumpshot is virtually unguardable. At 7-feet-3 inches, he can shoot over basically everyone in the NBA, even centers. On defense, he may not be able to bang with players one-on-one, but he should be a factor in help defense right away as a shot blocker. The Knicks will be tough to score on at the rim with him and Lopez defending the paint.

Porzingis has also shown a strong motor and a willingness to work. For example, he picked up three early fouls, some ticky tack, against the Celtics in the preseason finale. He didn’t let that get him down though, as he still played with energy and effort. He pulled down eight rebounds, which is a strong number for a full game let alone only the 20 he played Thursday night.

He has also shown a feel and grasp for the game that players this young rarely show. He does not force things offensively, playing within himself and the offense. He is almost too passive at times, as it would be nice to see him get more aggressive. That is something that should come with time as he gets more comfortable with the pace of the NBA and his teammates.

Next: Who Is The Best PG In Knicks Franchise History?

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There were plenty of concerns coming into the preseason about Porzingis, and they were warranted. But he has done a great job dispelling some of them, and he looks like he will be an asset right away for the Knicks. He may not play the 30-35 minutes a starting player normally does, but he will gain invaluable experience playing alongside the starters as that power forward spot is one the Knicks are hoping Porzingis fills for a very long time.