Is power forward or center better for the Zinger?
Zach: Deciding whether your potential superstar 7-3 anomaly is better suited for the four or five is quite the problem to have. I believe that his position doesn’t even affect him because he’ll be a mismatch no matter what, but it’s the impact it has on everyone else. When Porzingis plays the five, Melo plays the four.
Because of the mismatch Melo brings and, despite his age and weakened knees, he’s still much quicker than more fours in the league — especially out of the triple threat position. In turn, Porzingis will have a mismatch himself with virtually anyone who guards him; not many players in the league can go one-on-one with a 7-3 forward who has handles and can knock down outside shot.
Billy: There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Porzingis is better at the center position, if not for the sole reason that allows Melo to slide to his more natural position at power forward. KP has gotten far stronger in his sophomore season and is now more than capable of using his 7-3 frame on defense to handle bigger defenders. Additionally, he has proven a solid rim protector throughout his career, averaging nearly two blocks per game.
On the offensive end, his versatile game is a matchup nightmare for most centers. KP has the ability to hit outside shots, post up and dribble drive, making him a devastating matchup for most centers, who are usually the slowest guys on the court. Porzingis is then able to drag them out to the perimeter, neutralizing their rim-protecting ability, while simultaneously keeping them on their toes with his varied arsenal of skills.
Chip: The question about the rightful position for Kristaps Porzingis seems to be open for discussion to everyone except the New York Knicks. When they signed Joakim Noah, it was the franchise effectively stating they think KP should be a power forward long-term. But, the truth is that even if the Noah signing wasn’t a disaster Porzingis should still be playing center.
He’s a matchup problem for taller players because of his unique skill set. His biggest weakness on defense is when he’s dragged out to the perimeter to guard shooting big men. If he were guarding centers, he’d be able to protect the rim more. His greatest skill.
