New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Making Critical Improvements

New York Knicks phenom Kristaps Porzingis has the ceiling of an NBA superstar. He’s taking a wise approach to the most critical of developments.

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are investing the future of the organization in a 21-year-old big man from Latvia. Rewind this story to any time period before October of 2015 and every member of the NBA would’ve looked at Phil Jackson like he was senile.

Just one year into Kristaps Porzingis’ budding career, however, it’s clear that the young phenom has a legitimate chance to live up to his potential.

Porzingis finished his first season in New York with averages of 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made. He scored 1,028 points and recorded 526 rebounds, 134 blocks, and 81 3-point field goals made.

In turn, Porzingis became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made.

As he enters his second season, Porzingis is being trusted to provide more than awe-inspiring numbers. If he’s not yet ready to step up and lead, then he needs to be a reliable contributor on the Knicks’ road to the postseason.

The good news for the Knicks is that Porzingis has been working tirelessly to improve upon his remaining flaws.

Here are five critical improvements that will define his 2016-17 season.

Jan 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) defends against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Lower Body Strength

The single most critical mistake a big man can make is to add to their upper body before they solidify their base. Having bulk up top is important, but adding weight requires the lower body strength to carry it.

Kristaps Porzingis is approaching this career-defining development in the perfect way.

Porzingis made it a point to improve his upper body strength leading into the 2015-16 season. It was a vital addition to his thin frame, but he’s since realized that he should’ve approached that process differently.

According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, Porzingis turned his focus to his lower body instead of simply adding bulk to his arms, chest, and shoulders.

The importance of that wise approach cannot be overstated.

Porzingis is a 7’3″ anomaly who enters his second NBA season with invaluable knowledge of what’s happened to other players at or near his height. Hip, knee, ankle, and foot problems have derailed the careers of countless players who stand at or above 7’0″ tall.

The best way to avoid or delay that slew of injuries is to solidify one’s lower body and make sure it’s strong and sturdy enough to carry the weight up top.

Porzingis only gained one pound since last season, but that’s primarily because he focused on weight distribution. Adding mass isn’t the top priority; what matters most is ensuring that his body is properly structured to handle the potential addition of upper body bulk.

What Porzingis has done this summer could go a long way towards extending his career and improving his overall bill of health.

Feb 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the paint during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won111-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Ball-Handling

In many ways, Kristaps Porzingis has the upside of a 7’3″ Kevin Garnett. Along with being a well-rounded and versatile offensive player, Porzingis is a defensive monster who can protect the rim, blow up the pick and roll, and make plays along the perimeter.

According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, Porzingis has added another KG-like element to his game by improving his ball-handling and overall level of comfort with the ball in his hands.

Porzingis may be a big man, but that’s an invaluable development.

Porzingis doesn’t need to be Stephen Curry or Kyrie Irving with his handles, but he needs to be more comfortable with the ball in his hands. A season ago, his lack of confidence often led to rushed shot attempts and missed opportunities.

Being more comfortable with the ball implies that he’ll take his time due to the trust he has in his own ability to create offense.

Developing his lower body strength will help Porzingis’ confidence as a ball-handler, as well. He’ll be able to get lower on the drive and have even better coordination when moving at a fast pace in traffic.

Whether in the post or on the drive, being more comfortable with the ball in his hands will make Porzingis an even more lethal offensive threat.

Dec 7, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting

Kristaps Porzingis has the size, length, and mechanics to be one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. His stroke is effortless, his footwork is advanced, and his release point makes his shot all but impossible to block.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, head coach Jeff Hornacek sees a significant improvement in the way Porzingis is shooting.

Porzingis has the raw ability to light teams up from distance. It’s encouraging to know he’s becoming more comfortable with the shot.

Team president Phil Jackson touched upon the fact that Porzingis rushed his shots during an interview with Charley Rosen of Today’s Fastbreak. He cited that very truth as the reason for Porzingis’ relatively low shooting percentages.

Porzingis converted 81 3-point field goals in 2015-16, but shot just 42.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Teams can live with a big man shooting 33.3 percent from distance, but Porzingis has the potential to be at and above 40 percent. It’s hardly concerning that he shot 33.3 percent as a rookie, but it’s still something that needs to be improved upon.

With improving range and confidence, the 7’3″ unicorn is building up to a season of unprecedented success for a player his size. You know, again.

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

Transition Offense

In 2015-16, no team was worse than the New York Knicks at pushing the pace and generating points on the fast break. Team president Phil Jackson addressed that unfortunate truth by hiring Jeff Hornacek to be the Knicks’ new head coach.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, coach Hornacek is challenging Porzingis to help lead the fast break.

New York can’t be any worse in transition than it was last season.

The Knicks ranked dead last in the NBA with an average of 8.4 fast break points per game. New York was No. 28 in Pace Factor, which measures the number of possessions a team utilizes per game.

Hornacek is encouraging the Knicks to push the pace more than they did a season ago, and Porzingis should benefit greatly.

The Knicks aren’t going to look like the Seven Seconds or Less Phoenix Suns, but they will generate more offense in transition. Porzingis running the floor and taking passes from Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose will improve his production, efficiency, and confidence.

Good luck stopping a 7’3″ athlete with a full head of steam and full extension on the fast break.

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Pick and Roll

This is less of an improvement that Kristaps Porzingis is making and more of a change being enacted by Jeff Hornacek. Hornacek is taking a New York Knicks team that failed to create consistent penetration in 2015-16 and turning it into a force in the half court.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Knicks point guard Derrick Rose confirmed that Hornacek has his players running the pick and roll.

Hornacek himself confirmed that Porzingis’ ability to shoot will make him a go-to option in the pick and pop.

That should be a marvel to see in 2016-17.

In 2015-16, New York was dead last in the NBA in points in the paint per game at 35.8. That was nearly two points per game lower than any other team in the Association—a telling sign of just how poorly the Knicks executed a season ago.

It’s even more concerning how poorly the Knicks executed the pick and roll.

New York’s ball-handlers scored an average of 8.9 points per game off the pick and roll in 2015-16—the worst mark in the NBA. The Knicks also averaged 5.7 points per game by the pick and roll dive man, which ranked No. 26 overall.

With Porzingis both on the dive and fading out to the perimeter, expect his production to increase.

Expect the Knicks’ overall level of offensive efficiency to follow.

With these five critical improvements to his game, Porzingis should be even more impressive in 2016-17 than he was in 2015-16.

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