2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Is Kristaps Porzingis Struggling?

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Mar 4, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts during the first half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks

What happened to Kristaps Porzingis?

Actually did anything really happen to him, or has he just been lost in the Knicks’ struggles as a team?

He was out their last game due to a non-serious leg injury and is listed as day-to-day currently, but before that he was still putting up solid rookie numbers averaging 15.1 points and 5.0 rebounds over his last 10 games.

His rebounding numbers have gone down since the season started but he’s also attempting to play more of a role on the perimeter as he becomes more comfortable with launching three-pointers.

Naturally he hasn’t gotten as many offensive rebound opportunities given his fascination with shots outside the paint but he’s still controlled the boards and blocked shots on defense.

There’s nothing wrong with Porzingis other than he’s attempting to expand his game. He may have hit the “rookie wall” in terms of his highlight dunks and tricks, but he’s still playing solid basketball for a young star.

Don’t worry about his dominant NBA potential, it’s still there.

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