Kristaps Porzingis, the 7’3″ Latvian who can play in the paint, shoot from long-range, along with a mid-range game, is a New York Knick, and after watching him play in the NBA’s Summer League, I was nothing but impressed.
Throughout the summer league, Porzingis gave off good vibes. Something Knick fans have learned to appreciate over the years.
Porzingis averaged 10.5 points in 4 games, on 48% shooting. Along with 3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per-game… I mean yeah, we’ll take it!
The one thing that people can not let slide is how skinny he is. Yes, he does need to add more weight in order to bang in the paint with the DeAndre Jordan’s, and the Marc Gasol’s of the world. But please fellow commentators, broadcasters, columnists, and New Yorkers, let this 19-year-old kid grow into his body. He is from Latvia, give him time to consume some good old American-made calories.
The pick that sent Tim Hardaway Jr. to Atlanta for the 19th overall pick, Jerian Grant, is a move that I am still ecstatic about. Not because I did not like Hardaway Jr. but because Jerian Grant belongs in New York, and he belongs in the offense they are running.
Grant, the Senior out of Notre Dame, can shoot from anywhere on the court, pass the heck out of the ball, and throw down a dunk in a defenders mouth. His contributions will only benefit this Knicks team for years to come.
Jerian Grant filled the stat-line with an average of 11.8 points per-game, on 39% shooting in 5 games for the Knicks Summer League team; along with 4.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
This kid will be a lock for one of the All-Rookie teams at some point next season, mark this post.
All in all, we must give it up for Phil Jackson with his draft choices. He picked mature players who can contribute to what they are trying to achieve in New York. This is something all you Knick fans should be happy about. You see, Knick fans can be happy too!