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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Has Kristaps Porzingis Hit A Wall?

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6)is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6)is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) holds the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-90. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) holds the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-90. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons

The good news for Johnson’s development? He doesn’t turn the ball over when it’s in his hands. The bad news? He certainly doesn’t shoot it well consistently.

He did turn in a good performance last week against the Boston Celtics, scoring 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting including 2-of-3 from three-point range, but other than that it was a pretty pedestrian week for the rookie.

There’ve been many times when he’s looked worthy of Detroit’s No. 8 pick in the 2015 draft, but then there’ve also been moments when he’s looked lost on the court like a D-League player would.

Despite the ups-and-downs I’m still very high on Johnson moving forward. He has the physical tools and jump shot necessary for a two-way impact, so the Pistons shouldn’t have concerns for his future.

Next: Denver's Rookie Big Man