NBA Week 9 Rewind: Warriors show grit behind the spectacle
By Tom West
Weekly NBA Rookie Watch
Karl-Anthony Towns for Rookie of the Year. At least, so far that is. Last week was yet another display of defensive talent and immense potential from Towns, as he averaged 36.4 minutes over the Minnesota Timberwolves’ three games to really show off. It was another week of double doubles that fans have grown so accustomed to seeing in their 20 year old center. With averages of 19.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, he continued to make a greater impact that most rookies can dream of.
While the rebounding and mobile, interior defense isn’t anything new, it’s his offensive ability that has really been impressing. Besides his foot work and patience down low, his 51.5 percent shot from 16 feet and 86.7 percent free throw shooting extend his total ceiling even further.
Jahlil Okafor can score as much as he wants, but he still won’t be able to help the Philadelphia 76ers win anything. That’s just inevitable when they’re lacking talent across their entire roster. Until “the process” finds any remote glimpse of success, though, Okafor will have to keep doing all he can with his current average 17.6 points per game.
His ability in the post is beyond his years, and while the 76ers cannot win, it’s his scoring that will have to keep him in the race for Rookie of the Year against more complete players like Towns and Porzingis.
Injury note: Okafor missed the 76ers’ last game, and is still questionable to play on Monday against the Jazz.
Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t done much wrong in the early stages of his NBA career. He’s silenced his critics and sold countless jerseys to his converted Knicks fans, all thanks to the amount of stellar performances and double doubles he’s racked up.
Last week, for instance, Porzingis delivered one of his signature rookie displays against none other than LeBron James’ Cavaliers. With 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4-of-5 shooting from three, it was easily his best outing of the week. He’s struggled from the floor overall and has gone 34 percent during his last four games, but his 42.9 percent three point stroke, 14.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game are what we’ve come to expect from Porzingis.
And when all that talent comes together, it’s nothing but exiting to watch him play.
What’s equally as impressive as his numbers are the mental attributes that Porzingis has been showing. He doesn’t hesitate with his shot, he doesn’t shy away from stronger big men, he plays with aggression on the boards, and he’s a tough and quick-thinking defender in the paint. All those things can make or break a young player with so much pressure and expectation surrounding them, and thankfully for Porzingis, he has all those characteristics.
Next: Under-the-radar Players to Watch Next Week