New York Knicks: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

2. Kristaps Porzingis will average a double-double

The New York Knicks have gotten a good look at all that rising star Kristaps Porzingis can do this summer in EuroBasket 2017.

Porzingis was a human highlight reel as he led the Latvian national team to the quarterfinals with a 5-2 record in the competition. Although they lost 103-97, Porzingis led all scorers with 34 points in their loss to Slovenia.

As Porzingis begins to realize his place on this roster, this will be the season he learns to protect the paint on one end while flourishing at the arc on the other. He did it well in EuroBasket play, although sometimes he had to do too much for his team. He won’t have to do as much given the athleticism difference in the NBA, but he can use that to his advantage.

Porizingis averaged 23.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point land in 27.2 minutes per game. With the quicker pace of the NBA along with more playing time, Porzingis should average a double-double this upcoming season.

If they want to win, Porzingis owning the boards is something the Knicks must get him to do. He seems to have the confidence down to be a solid scorer in the NBA, he’ll just need to continue to get stronger and improve in the paint.