New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Can Redeem Phil Jackson
By Jason Oliver
Defending
Averaging just shy of two blocks per game and a defensive rating of 106.6, Porzingis is solid but not quite polished. He can be pushed around a bit and makes the mistakes you would expect from a 21-year old in his second season. But those traits are all fixable.
In fact, they are already being fixed.
Earlier in the season saw one game in particular where Porzingis was a defensive liability. Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek decided to use the off night as an opportunity to address those mistakes he is making, telling the New York Post:
"“It’s not learning the defense, it’s learning the players,’’ Hornacek said. “Some of that you learn with experience, some of it studying tape.”"
Hornacek gave Porzingis the best seat in the house to study spots on the court and plays he should and shouldn’t be making on the defensive end.
The bench.
Porzingis is a student of the game and takes every opportunity to absorb and learn. That night was no different. But Hornacek didn’t stop getting in the big man’s ear according to Newsday.com:
"“The biggest thing we emphasize with KP — which is tough when you’re 7-3 — is bending your knees. We try to emphasize from the other standpoint, if you’re a guard and you see a 7-3 guy who’s bent down and has his arms out, 7-foot-3 wide, it’s hard to go around.”"
Trying to throw one up over a guy that is 7’3″ is never a good idea. Especially one with the defensive instincts and footwork of Porzingis. Staying on his feet and using his length to deter good looks is a recipe for disaster if you’re the other 29 NBA teams.
Hornacek is making strides into creating an offensive and defensive beast.
He’s breeding a unicorn.