2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: How High Is Russell's Ceiling?

2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: How High Is D’angelo Russell’s Ceiling?

Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) reacts after making a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 8, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reaches for a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks

I wrote last week that Porzingis wasn’t putting up as many highlight plays lately compared to the start of the year and that stagnant was a descriptive word about his current performance. Boy was I wrong.

Porzingis put on a show against the San Antonio Spurs Friday night going for 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. That’s the kind of performance against a quality team that can get you overwhelming exposure (not like he didn’t already have it playing in New York).

His ceiling is still clear: Dirk Nowitzki with real defensive talent. Porzingis’ success is still a little shocking because of the uncertainty that surrounded him because of his playing overseas versus in college.

Now that he’s established himself as one of the league’s more versatile post players, Porzingis is a main reason anyone’s watching the Knicks outside of Carmelo Anthony.

New York basketball is back thanks to the man from Latvia.

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