Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis has been impressive thus far in 2015/16 and has taken New York by storm. The 20-year-old is averaging 13.7 points and 9.1 rebounds in 26.9 minutes per night over his first 15 contests. While Porzingis’ early season production has turned some heads around the league, questions still remain about what the Latvian’s long-term position will be. He has primarily played power forward for the team thus far, and his ability to hit outside shots certainly makes him valuable as a stretch-four. But New York may look to use Porzingis as a center down the line, though he’ll almost assuredly need to add some bulk onto his 240-pound frame to be effective in the pivot full-time.
This brings me to today’s topic: What position do you think Kristaps Porzingis is best suited for going forward in his career?
Should the Knicks continue to develop Porzingis as a power forward, despite the presence of Carmelo Anthony, who may need to slide over to the four spot as he ages? Or should the Knicks move Porzingis to center, where his athleticism would be an asset but his slender frame could make him a liability on defense? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
He looks like he’s already put on about 25 to 30 lbs since the draft. I don’t think that weight will be a problem.
I think the Knicks and Phil Jackson would be doing the franchise a huge disservice if they don’t move Carmelo by the deadline. He still has trade value and a star-power name. They need to building a team for Porzingis’ future, and I think Melo could net them one of the Suns starting backcourt AND Markieff Morris. Or a twosome of the Lakers young-bucks (Russell and Clarkson?)
The Melo era is over, and the sooner the Knicks move him, the more value they’ll get. Stop kidding yourselves searching for quick-fixes (for about 15 years now) you’re nowhere near contention. You aren’t one piece away. Attain assets and develop players alongside Kristaps. It all starts with a Melo trade.
He’s a power forward, plain and simple. He might be able to spot start at center during small ball sessions but I think long term its best to have him at the PF spot. Heck 10 years from now there may not even be a true center spot outside of like 4 guys. If it goes 100 percet small ball he could do it.
I had an ex-NBA camp invitee suggest to me recently that Porzingis could play point guard. That’s far-fetched, but I think it would be interesting to see what he could do as a point forward. I don’t think bulk is an issue, though. The kid just turned 20. He’ll grow into that body given time. The Knicks don’t need to worry so much about that right away.
that issue with the “read more” button that I have mentioned the last couple of days is still happening…
I wouldnt put it outside the realm of possibility that he could play a little 3, but PG is definitely pushing it lol. That being said, as I mentioned above, I think he settles in at the 5. He has definitely improved defensively from some of the scouting video I saw before the draft. He seems to be a good help defender, and even though there is still a lot of room to grow in this area, he already defends the pick and roll pretty well at times. His athleticism definitely plays
I think he may actually be able to play the 4 at times, but other wise, he should end up at the 5, especially after he adds another 25 pounds or so in addition to the 15 he has put on so far
The league is changing enough that Porzingis could probably be used at center in the future. Centers don’t take the physical pounding that they used to, and his outside shooting could be an effective weapon to draw opposing big men out of the lane.
5 on defence 4 on offence easy as. KP does most of his damage stretchimg floor or appearing out of thin air fo putback dunks
Keep frontcourt of Melo, KP and Lopez as starters. Sign a 3+D SF 6th man and use as needed on a game to game basis. Like if playing Memphis Melo/KP/Lopez frontcourt would see more time. When`playing small ball teams 3+D/Melo/KP or 3+D/Melo/Lopez (depending on if more offense or defense is needed in the game). It’s not rocket science when assuming what pieces will fit together properly, though some GMs will have you fooled. San Antonio has proved for almost 20 years that fit and chemistry are more important than talent as long as you do have that one player who can take over the game when needed (as Duncan use to be and Melo could be).