First Impression: Kristaps Porzingis
KP’s final stat line: 12 points (3-5 FG, 0-1 from three, 6-7 from the line), 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 TO, 2 fouls in 18 minutes of action.
The entire time Kristaps was on the floor, I had to keep reminding myself that he’s only 19 years old and this is just the first game - a summer league game at that.
So, I can’t be too tough on my evaluation. But, here it goes:
He’s 19 years old - just needed to remind myself again.
The guy is tall. You really can’t teach height, huh? And it shows on the defense end. It is extremely difficult to shoot over this kid and KP completely gets this. There were a few times he got a little antsy and left his feet to contest a shot, but he did a really good job just sticking his ground and be as vertical as possible. The result, 2 block shots and a bunch of altered ones. I feel like he’s been watching Roy Hibbert or something because when he’s guarding someone within a foot of the basket, he just stands straight up with his arms perfectly vertical. It’s great, that’s how to use your height around there. He clogs the shit of the lane. He’s definitely good for at least 1.5 blocks a game.
Active on-ball screener - he looked really good screening for the ball handler. The problem? He wasn’t involved much after the screen. It would be wise for the Knicks to incorporate some offensive sets where Porzingis gets the ball on a pick and pop. He’ll thrive in that situation.
Mobile - doesn’t move like Anthony Davis (I mean, how many people do at that height?), but he certainly can get up and down the court. To be honest, I expected a little more fluidity to his running based on the workout videos I saw. It just felt like a big man was running up and down. I didn’t get that impression when I watched his workout video
He gets to the line - in 18 minutes of action, he attempted 7 free throws. No bad at all. He likes contact - and because of that, he’ll draw fouls (even got fouled on a three pointer). This is good because he is a REALLY good free throw shooter. I expect at least 85% for the season.
Willing passer - made some very instinctual passes, pretty good vision hitting guys off back doors and cuts. This will be very important in The Triangle.
Did not force any action - played well within the system... maybe to a fault though.
Adding onto the last point, this could entirely be first game issues, but KP wasn’t very aggressive on offense. Played only within the system, which is fine, but you’d like to see him look for his shot, call for a post a bit more - but that will hopefully develop over time as he gets more comfortable
KP had a VERY difficult time creating space to take a jump shot. There were a few times he tried to be aggressive and allude his defender by dribbling, but he just wasn’t quick enough. I forgot who was playing D on him, but he was easily able to move laterally and get in front of Porzingis on any dribble attempt forcing him to give up the ball. If Porzingis can’t be creative with guys in the summer league, then he’s going to have a pretty tough time during the season. Going to be watching this very closely the next few games.
This is obvious, but he is freaking skinny. He needs to put some meat on those bones if he plans on being anywhere near the paint.
Not a good rebounder. The problem isn’t with his boxing out, he’s actually really good at it. I just don’t see ANY desire from him to go after the board himself. He’s content with just creating space for his teammates to grab the rebound. He’ll get a few “Allan Houston rebounds” here and there (the ones that just bounce into his hands). The instinct is just not there... so far at least.
Overall, not a bad outing. You can see the potential, but there are plenty elements of the game he needs to work on. The good thing is, he’s committed - all I hear about him is how much of a gym rat he is.
I think “project” is the perfect label. When I watched Stanley Johnson, Winslow, Okafor in the Orlando league and Russell/Towns yesterday, I clearly got the impression that these were NBA ready players.
I did not have the same genuine reaction watching Porzingis, which is okay. That is exactly the expectation. He’s a project and this was just the first game.
Quick note on Jerian Grant - great feel for the game. Needs to work on not leaving his feet while passing. I liked that he got to the line a lot too.
Game 2 is 8:30 PM on Monday.
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