Kristaps Porzingis has looked good thus far in the preseason for the New York Knicks, as he had a good game against the Washington Wizards.
Kristaps Porzingis was a topic of discussion for the New York Knicks throughout the offseason. The Latvian-born big man surprised everyone during his rookie season with how polished his game was. There was a lot for him to still learn and improve upon, but the early results were better than anyone would have expected.
Porzingis finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Karl-Anthony Towns. He averaged 14.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assist, and 1.9 blocks per game. He didn’t back down from any opponent, as he was not intimidated despite the difference in strength.
With such a strong rookie season behind him, Porzingis knew he had to prepare for his sophomore season to take that next step forward. That is one of the best things about him; he knows he has a lot to improve upon and wants to do it. He wants to become one of the best players in the NBA and to do so he needed to put in work during the offseason.
That is exactly what he did. Head coach Jeff Hornacek said that Porzingis had an improved jump shot during training camp. It can be difficult for a player of Porzingis’ size at 7-feet-3 inches to shoot Hornacek said, which could result in a flat shot. But, it is something that he worked on during the offseason, and Hornacek said that the results can already be seen.
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In addition to working on his game, Porzingis also added some strength to his core and lower body. It will allow him to finish better inside against bigger, stronger opponents and keep his jump shot late in games.
With the hype train at full speed for Porzinigs, it was time to see him in action during the preseason. While it may only be exhibition games, he has been showcasing that his hard work is paying off.
In his first game of the preseason against the Houston Rockets, Porzingis was the only player able to get anything going on the Knicks. He scored 22 points, making 5-of-6 from deep. He had another good night against the Brooklyn Nets in 19 minutes, scoring 12 points with six rebounds, one assist, and one block.
That strong preseason has continued again against the Washington Wizards. Porzingis outside shot wasn’t on, making only 1-of-6, but he was great inside the arc. He and Brandon Jennings have developed quite a chemistry already as Jennings constantly finds him around the basket for dunks.
In 32 minutes against the Wizards, Porzingis scored 15 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. He continues to be a difference maker on both ends of the court as his work in the offseason is already paying dividends in game action.
If Porzingis can carry this into the regular season it would greatly help the Knicks. People questioned whether he would take a backseat to the likes of Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony, but he should be right there alongside them. He is the most versatile player they have and should benefit greatly from the system Jeff Hornacek is installing.
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No one wants to see the 7-feet-3 inch Porzingis in the pick-and-roll as he can shoot over smaller opponents or blow by bigger ones. Watching Porzingis’ development as the season goes on will be a treat for Knicks fans. What he is accomplishing during the regular season is only the appetizer course.