Fansided

NBA: Ranking the top 5 future beasts of the East

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 5, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
NBA
Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kristaps Porzingis

Out of all the seven-footers with three-point shooting ability in the East, Kristaps Porzingis just might have the highest ceiling. If the New York Knicks are looking for the savior of their franchise, they don’t need to look any further than the young man Kevin Durant once called a unicorn.

Those “unicorns” who can shoot the three, defend the rim and score from all over the floor are become less and less rare thanks to names like KP, Myles Turner and Karl-Anthony Towns, but Porzingis is already turning the Knicks into his team…despite Carmelo Anthony still being on the roster.

At age 21, the Zinger is averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. He ranks seventh in the NBA in blocks per game, and he’s also shooting a scorching 41 percent from three-point range on 5.2 attempts per game.

From his put-back dunks to his shot-blocking instincts to his refined perimeter shooting, Porzingis is going to be an absolute star in this league. As he gets stronger and more empowered on the offensive end, the only obstacle to leading New York back to championship glory is the Knicks being able to put quality talent around him.

Luckily the franchise has plenty of time to figure that out, but make no mistake about it: With KP at the helm, the Knicks are going to be a problem in the East for years to come.

Home/NBA