NBA Summer League is in full swing and one of the main storylines during the tournament has been the rise of Kristaps Porzingis. The New York Knicks first-round draft pick was immediately met with doubts when he first arrived in the Big Apple and the power forward has done everything he can to squash any lingering doubt in his abilities to be a true talent for the Knicks. So what are the realistic expectations for the rookie in the upcoming season?
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Porzingis is expected to compete for the starting role with Derrick Williams. The Knicks have Robin Lopez starting at center and Carmelo Anthony will take care of the small forward position. Williams signed in free agency to a two-year contract and he certainly has the experience to be the starter, but right now Porzingis is winning over the coaches and fans and should not be ruled out as an option. However, some believe he still needs a year to develop.
"I expect some moments of brilliance and then some clunker plays because you're looking at a kid who's just 19 years old," says Fran Fraschilla, an ESPN analyst. "The potential's there but ... this kid is probably two years away from starting to become an NBA player that can win you games night in and night out. It's not going to happen his rookie year. I just hope that there's a process for him. You don't take a kid like this and leave him to the wolves, so to speak. You have a plan for him."
With Porzingis cementing his role with the Knicks, the team has 11 guaranteed contracts for the upcoming season. The last remaining question mark is whether or not Alex Shved makes the team. With the additions of Arron Afflalo and Jerian Grant along with retaining Langston Galloway and Jose Calderon, Shved will have a hard time getting a deal. The team has three roster spots open, but Begley reports that the Knicks have been eyeing players like John Jenkins while Phil Jackson noted that size is needed with Kendrick Perkins and Carlos Boozer available.
Right now the Knicks are getting exactly what they were hoping for. Porzingis has turned boos into cheers and could be one of the next best forwards for the team. Anthony told the media that New York got a steal with Porzingis and that is starting to be proven true.
