New York Knicks: 2017-18 player grades for Kristaps Porzingis
Strengths
Versatile, mobile, sharpshooter from behind the arc; those are a few of the strengths that describe Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis this past season. Although he played in just 48 games, his impact as option No. 1 was stellar. He put up 30+ points in 10 games and also had a career-high 40 points this season.
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The 7’3″ forward put up career-highs in points per game (22.7), blocks per game (2.4) and 3-point field goal percentage (39.5 percent) in his third season. The Knicks were 22-26 with Porzingis in the rotation. In victories, his scoring average went up to 25.5 points per contest. He shot the ball 48.2 percent from the floor and 45.6 percent from 3-point land as well.
Porzingis’ career-high 40-point game came against the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 5. He also had eight rebounds and six blocks as New York got the 108-101 victory. As the small-ball era evolves, Porzingis has been able to show he belongs.
With a new head coach comes a new mentality on both ends. Head coach David Fizdale brings a different mindset, albeit one Porzingis can connect with. Former head coach Jeff Hornacek and Porzingis didn’t seem to have a positive relationship. Fizdale was out of a job for roughly one season before being courted by the Knicks and also the Phoenix Suns.
Kristaps Porzingis made strides in Year 3 and his progress was cut short by a torn ACL injury. He may or may not miss the 2018-19 season, but at 22 years of age, it’s best not to rush him back to the floor.