Coming off his career best 29-points against the Hornets, we breakdown just why Kristaps Porzingis is a dream come true for the New York Knicks.
By Robby Sabo
Like a thief in the night, Kristaps Porzingis has stolen the hearts of New Yorkers. There’s no better phrase to describe what’s transpired over the course of just 12 games.
The 20-year old Latvian didn’t need an entire season to arrive. He didn’t even need a full month. Through the first 12 games of what hopes to be a tremendous NBA career, he’s posted numbers far beyond anybody’s greatest expectations.
Averaging 12.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in just over 25 minutes, the entire basketball world is abuzz about how this kid’s already made it big. Sprinkle onto the fact he’s done it in the most pressurized city in the world, the Mecca, mysteriously interesting occurrences are happening in front of our very eyes.
Tuesday night’s 29-point performance was the cherry on top of an amazing start.
Like a thief in the night. He’s quiet, unassuming, and humble, yet confident. Slowly, yet quickly, Porzingis has become everybody’s favorite son in the Big Apple.
Whether it’s the deli on the corner, the guy dishing out dogs on the street, or the nearest doorman, they all can’t get enough of KP. He has suddenly filled that gaping void New York Knicks fans have been starving for: a young, talented, up-and-coming riser to go along with Carmelo Anthony.
There’s something much more fascinating about this kid than the normal prospect. Aside from the fact most are still trying to wrap their heads around that the Knicks, yes the freaking Knicks, actually might have gotten lucky for once, Kristaps Porzingis is about much more than sheer talent alone.
The extra, hidden attributes to a baller play into the overall package just as much, if not more than the skills.
If guys like Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Larry Bird tried to just rely on their talents, they wouldn’t have been mentioned just now. It took dedication and hard work to see they officially climb that ladder of greatness.
The question remains: Does Kristaps Porzingis have what it takes? The jury is, of course, still out.
For now though, we reflect on what we’ve seen thus far and countdown the kid’s top five attributes as a basketball player:
