2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Post All-Star Break Expectations

Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) gets a rebound during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks

Porzingis has flat-out surprised a lot of people so far due to his ability to guard and defend against other big men.

Coming into the draft scouts viewed him as a long and lanky forward who’d have a tough time banging in the post with guys who had a considerable amount of size on him. He showed promise over the summer in Las Vegas when he handled Okafor and limited him one-on-one, and he’s been nothing short of impressive during the regular season blocking shots and playing tremendous help defense.

His offensive game is still coming into focus but we know he can hit shots from the perimeter and has a knack for hitting weird floaters and lay-ups in the lane.

What he can put on display post All-Star break is more consistent scoring from the perimeter and a natural desire to take over games. At times Porzingis has looked timid mainly because he shares the floor with a No. 1 option in Carmelo Anthony. But if he’s the future for the Knicks then he has to step up and hit the big shot more often.

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