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NBA: Post-Summer League Rookie Of The Year Standings

By Ezra Siegel

Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kristaps Porzingis (SPN) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kristaps Porzingis (SPN) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Kristaps Porzingis – New York Knicks

Porzingis was a stand out rookie at the Las Vegas Summer League, but he still as a lot of work to do.

In four games in Las Vegas, the Knicks’ No. 4 overall selection averaged 10.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and a steal to boot. While his numbers aren’t eye-popping, he flashed his limitless potential with high flying dunks, long jumpers and massive rejections — including a three-block game on No. 3 overall pick Jahlil Okafor.

Porzingis impressed Knicks fans in Las Vegas, and maybe changed some of those draft night boos to cheers, but he’s still a long way from making a true impact at the next level.

For one thing, Porzingis is noticeably skinny at 7’3”, 233 pounds. At his current weight, he will have trouble establishing post position and keeping opponents off of the block.

Porzingis also looked raw on the boards. He grabbed just around eight percent of available rebounds while on the floor, which is somewhat disappointing for such a large specimen, even in his earliest days as an NBA player.

While Porzingis has a lot to work on and likely won’t put up big numbers this season, he shouldn’t be entirely left out of the Rookie of the Year race. He certainly has the size, athletic tools and raw offensive skills to put up numbers, and if he’s given enough minutes in New York, he may just rack up some big stat lines.

However, until he takes the floor and starts contributing, he remains an unlikely candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.

Next: The Rim Protector