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Hindsight is 20/20: Redoing the 2015 NBA Draft

By Cody Williams

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during warmups before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during warmups before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Kristaps Porzingis, PF

Original Pick: D’Angelo Russell

It’d be hard to argue that (Snapchat snitching aside) the Los Angeles Lakers are unhappy with the returns on taking D’Angelo Russell with the No. 2 pick in 2015. The guard proved in his rookie year that he had potential in this league, this despite having Byron Scott almost actively holding him back. He followed that up with a great season in his first year playing under the direction of Luke Walton. Needless to say, Russell looks to have a bright future in the league.

However, it’s also hard to argue that no matter how good Russell has been, the Lakers would rather have Kristaps Porzingis playing his home games at Staples Center. Taken with the fourth pick by the Knicks and thought of almost as a consolation prize at the time, the Latvian prospect has gone from impressive for his age to being a sensation.

In 138 games over his first two seasons, the big man in the Big Apple has averaged 19 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes. The one knock on Porzingis would be his efficiency offensively, but he’s proven to be a viable inside-out threat in the frontcourt that can attack opposing defenses in a variety of ways.

The real crime when it comes to Porzingis (something he apparently realizes now) is that the Knicks are completely inept when it comes to team-building. Porzingis should be their primary focus and cornerstone right now. Instead, they’re hanging on to the past with Carmelo Anthony and with acquisitions like Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. The Latvian is worthy of being given the keys and, unless something changes in New York, it’s a shame he’s not with an organization willing to hand them over.

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