Kristaps Porzingis quickly shed any notion of being a project during his rookie campaign, immediately proving he can thrive in the NBA. The New York Knicks are hoping he can continue his rapid development and become one of the most complete offensive threats in the league during the 2016-17 season.
The first glimpse of the sophomore campaign for New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis provided plenty of promise.
Any lingering concerns about the strained right shoulder were quickly erased during a 27-minute stint in the team’s preseason opener against the Houston Rockets.
The fourth overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft spent his summer conducting individual workouts with his brother in Latvia, a training session with Russell Westbrook over the summer and team sessions with the Knicks.
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The results were clearly evident Tuesday night.
Porzingis went 8-for-11 from the field, including 5-for-6 from 3-point range, as part of a 22-point, four-rebound effort against the Rockets.
The 21-year-old was especially devastating during the third quarter, connecting four times from beyond the arc primarily off catch-and-shoot plays, an area he struggled a year ago.
New York ran an average of two catch-and-shoot plays for Porzingis last season, resulting in 39.1 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from 3-point range.
By adding a consistent long range shot, Porzingis may become one of the most unstoppable players in the league.
Blessed with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Porzingis can seemingly get a shot off at any time, resulting in four catch-and-shoot conversions from 3-point range against Houston.
The expansion of his shooting range only makes him one of the most difficult players in the league to guard, as his size, athleticism and shooting touch may be unprecedented in NBA history.
Porzingis has already proven to be a viable mid-range shooter, as he made 45.4 percent of his attempts from 16-feet out and inside the 3-point arc.
Plus he is one of the most skilled players at following a missed shot from his own teammate.
New York initially anticipated a long period of time before Porzingis would provide viable contributions to the team, but any notion of him being a project were quickly destroyed.
The impact of Porzingis extended far beyond the 14.3 points, 7.9 rebounds,1.9 blocks (eighth most in the NBA) and 1.3 assists he averaged a season ago.
The rare combination of talents he possesses, with the ability to protect the rim and comfortably shoot from anywhere on the floor led Golden State forward Kevin Durant to dub him as a basketball unicorn.
The label was accurate, as no player in league history had ever submitted a debut season with at least 500 rebounds, 125 blocks and 75 made 3-pointers before Porzingis accomplished the feat.
Take away the rookie limitation of the totals, and only three other players have ever replicated what Porzingis accomplished with his 526 rebounds, 134 rejections and 81 conversions from beyond the arc.
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The overall impact of Porzingis – plus his presence in a major market – made him one of the most sought after free agents when his sneaker deal with Nike expired earlier this month.
Porzinigs didn’t remain a free agent for long, as Adidas signed him to the richest sneaker deal a European-born player had ever signed.
The agreement will pay Porzingis between $3 million and $6 million annually, based on performance incentives, but Nike has the right to match the contract.
Among international players, Porzingis ranked seventh in double-doubles, tied with Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, with 21 and his 1.9 blocks per game match Nerlens Noel and Josh Smith for the highest average any rookie has submitted over the last 14 years.
Both shoe companies are interested in Porzingis because of the excitement he brings to the court. Porzingis has managed to recalibrate what a player of his size can achieve on the court.
Even the injury that forced Porzingis to miss the final seven games of the year was tantalizing.
Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee elevated towards the rim for a one-handed tomahawk jam, only to be denied by the 7-foot-3 forward.
After completing the rejection, Porzingis fell to the ground and planted his right hand, resulting in a strained right shoulder. With the Knicks out of playoff contention, the team opted to shut him down for the year.
The rest of the NBA may have a difficult time shutting him down as he begins year two with the Knicks.