Kristaps Porzingis nearly breaks Rovell’s ankles with one jab step.
Kristaps Porzingis is know for his abilities, at 7’3”, inside the paint. He does hit the occasional outside shot, more than usual for a player his size, but he is not necessarily known for his quick moves.
ESPN’s Darren Rovell discovered that the big man does indeed have the moves in this vine. Rovell is put on skates by Porzingis with one jab step. Although Rovell, clearly a foot and a half shorter than the Latvian, makes a great attempt to put a hand in his face, Rovell has no shot.
Even if he does play perfect defense, his peak reach most likely only reaches Porzingis’ neck, and the young big man has proven he can shoot with far less room than that.
Rovell took on the rookie superstar at Delta’s “Fly like a pro” event. This one-on-one matchup was over before it started. Not only did Kristaps beat him with his outside shot, but backed him down inside the paint for the easy slam dunk.
Kudos to Rovell, though, for giving up that much height differential and putting in the effort. Rovell reports for ESPN, ABC News and others, but he proved that he will not be announced on the roster for the USA team, despite rapping the gear.
This mismatch was over before it started. Kristaps may have had the easiest matchup he has had and will have all year. But it does make for a funny video.