Hoops Habit
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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top 10 Risers And Fallers

By Nathan Grubel

Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis has been a gem to watch this season. He’s sort of rejuvenated the Knicks in a way that Anthony couldn’t because he’s a guy who’s been around the league for a while now. For the first time in what feels like forever, New York has a legitimate young star on its roster.

Porzingis is 7-foot-3 with a few guard skills and a penchant for blocking shots and protecting the rim like few bigs can. Offensively he can shoot with range and score off the dribble with an array of floaters and runners that players his size just don’t have in their arsenals.

Is he a superstar talent? Absolutely. Guys with his length shouldn’t have the ability to do the things he does, yet we have a unicorn in our midst in Porzingis.

More hoops habit: Each State's All-Time NBA Starting Five

Have faith Knicks, you actually have a rookie worth building around.