Schmeelk: Key to Kristaps Porzingis' Improvement Is His Teammates
By John Schmeelk
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In any normal season, Kristaps Porzingis would have been the Rookie of the Year last season. Unfortunately for the Knicks power forward, he was in the same draft class as another generational talent in Karl-Anthony Towns. It was clear based on his work this offseason with his brother Janis, that being the same player he was last year isn't good enough for Porzingis.
Physically, Porzingis doesn't look much different. He didn't bulk up his upper body too much, which would have taken away from his agility, his greatest strength. Instead, he focused on his legs and making his lower body much stronger. It makes his base better for boxing out, shooting, finishing and holding ground against physical defenders.
It was clear from the beginning of preseason that Porzingis had made a number of improvements to his game. His ball-handling was much improved, even sporting a cross-over dribble into a pull-up when facing up defenders in the post. For someone who stands 7-foot-3, it's easy for smaller help defenders to poke away a high dribble, so an improved handle was essential.
When Porzingis was able to get to the rim in the preseason, he was a far more efficient finisher. Last year, when he wasn't able to dunk it, Porzingis missed a lot of shots near the hoop. He was disrupted by physical defenders and often rushed his shot. This year, he looks much more in control near the basket, confident his length will be all he needs to shield the ball from defenders.
Porzingis also remade his jump shot in the offseason. Despite his strong rookie year, Porzingis shot just 42 percent from the field and 33 percent from behind the arc. He was inconsistent. His shot not only went in more this preseason, it also looked different. His release was quicker, and it didn't look like the ball was going as far over his head prior to the release. By keeping the ball closer to and in front of his forehead, it limits arm movement, which should lead to a more consistent release and shot.
With all these improvements, there's no reason for Porzingis' numbers to follow. Last year, Porzingis averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, on .421/.333/.838 shooting. His improved skills should make improving those numbers to 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks on .450/.375/.840 shooting very plausible. It would put Porzingis into the All-Star Game conversation and make him one of the best and most versatile young big men in the league.
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There's one catch: He needs his teammates. Porzingis still hasn't developed as a player to the point where he can get the ball in isolation situations one-on-one and consistently produce a good shot for himself or force a double team. He'll get there one day, but he isn't there yet. His teammates have to understand they need to be very conscious of getting him the ball in places where he can take advantage of his skill sets.
The best place Porzingis can most consistently get points is in the pick-and-pop. With Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings being constant threats to drive off of screens, it's difficult for defenders to get back to Porzingis to defend open jump shots, whether 3's or mid-range 2's. This needs to be the staple of the Knicks offense, and a go-to play whenever they need a basket. It is a perfect play to take advantage of both the skills of Porzingis and the Knicks' point guards.
With the Knicks new commitment to pushing the ball, another place he should be able to get open looks is trailing at the top of transition opportunities. Very often, defenders will not identify him coming down the court late and sink into the lane, giving him open 3-point looks at the top of the key. Porzingis was effective in those catch-and-shoot opportunities last year, and should be again.
Last year, the Knicks failed to set enough screens for Porzingis off the ball to free up catch-and-shoot opportunities with his jump shot. Coach Jeff Hornacek already used a number of flare screens during the preseason that Porzingis used to get open looks. This is something Porzingis did a lot of dating back to his days playing in Europe and was extremely efficient with. Bigger defenders have trouble navigating the screen to contest the looks, and smaller players aren't long enough to bother his shot.
What do all these things have in common? Teammates doing the right things to free up their talented young unicorn. Rose and Jennings have to be willing to get the ball to him on pick-and-rolls. In transition, ball-handlers have to look for him trailing. Teammates have to be willing to screen for him, and guards have to get it to him coming off those screens.
At 7-foot-3, Porzingis isn't someone who can break down a player in isolation and get to the rim. It takes too long, and help comes too quickly to get all the way to the basket. He also isn't quite ready to score in isolation in the post. He's better there, but still isn't strong enough to sustain the physical contact down there and score. He isn't an isolation player yet. It will come, but until it does, Porzingis will have to rely on his teammates to show fans his greatness. If the Knicks want to make the playoffs this year, it is a role they will have to accept.
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