New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Can Redeem Phil Jackson

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) slam dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) slam dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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In The Paint

When receiving the ball in the paint the lanky Latvian is lethal.

After telling Ian Begley of ESPN.com that he wanted to improve on the 51 percent he was shooting from the restricted area last season, Porzingis started adding moves.

"“Everybody wants to see me play better in the post, that’s one thing that’s going to help us in the triangle so I’m adding moves to my post game.”"

Shooting 71 percent in the restricted area so far this season, the work is paying off. The moves he’s added and the strides he’s made in the gym–in particular, the added strength of his lower core–have made him a genuine threat in the post.

One scout told the New York Post “his balance is better — a stronger base.’’

Porzingis doesn’t plan on being thrown around by stronger, grown men for much longer.

His length already allows him to draw contact while still being able to throw up the circus shot that seems to frequently fall. Once he adds some extra size and can begin to bully opposition defenders, Porzingis might be unstoppable.