New York Knicks: 6 Predictions for the 2016-17 Season

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Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball during a game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Kristaps Porzingis Earns All-Star Honors

Despite Rose bringing his stardom to the team, Porzingis’ versatility and fanfare will help him earn All-Star honors in the upcoming season.

After the young fan booed Porzingis on draft day, it’s been a complete turnaround ever since he stepped on the court. The Latvian big man has already captured the spotlight as a rookie and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns.

As for Porzingis’ on-the-court allure, he’s worked on his shooting, which should improve his efficiency. The 7’3” forward also polished his ball-handling skills which, expands his capabilities off the dribble and in the post. Unlike other budding talents at his size, he’s reliable in the clutch as a free-throw shooter. He converted 83 percent of his attempts as a rookie.

Porzingis’ ability to play forward and center in a small-ball lineup will allow Hornacek to exploit advantageous matchups. The second-year pro can post up on smaller defenders and pull prototypical centers outside the paint with his three-point shooting. His shot-blocking qualities put him over the top as a versatile do-it-all type of player on the court.

Next to Anthony and Rose, the Knicks have a young star in the making; he’s bound to earn the first of many All-Star invites in 2017.

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