The fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, Kristaps Porziņģis, possibly holds in his hands a very bright future for himself and the New York Knicks. But right now, he’s expected to make small steps towards greatness. One of those steps is getting bigger.
He’s 6’11. Or maybe 7’1. Depending on who is reporting on his height. He’s a big man, but a thin one, with excellent range and some impressive shot blocking abilities. But he also needs a little bit more width and girth, which he felt during his games in Summer League.
Right now he’s around 232 pounds, and by the time training camp begins on October 1, Porzingis wants to add 10 more pounds to his frame. While he’s going to play away from the basket some of the time, the Knicks don’t plan to make him just a stretch 4.
Derek Fisher wants Porzingis to play minutes at center as well, and at the moment, it’s going to be difficult for him spending an entire game battling with someone strong and heavier in the paint without getting worn out too soon.
Playing center and being in Summer League was something new for me. I could compete with all those guys like Jahlil Okafor and see how big and strong they are. It was fun playing against them. It wasn’t easy. I think right now I’m a power forward. Once I get stronger, I can really play defense on other centers.
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