Porzingis Unicorn #3 Thread

[ChilledAlex]

Trying to set up a theme for the post Melo years?

Idk I just see so many flaws that are not related to his physical condition or strength that I need to vent through this board

Hmm. I'll bite.

Selfish - Not seeing it. In fact, I thought KP was pretty deferential in his style of play and wished he would have called for the ball more, even in his rookie year and especially in his 2nd year. One of the reasons I thought he was a good "triangle" player was the fact that he moved the ball, didn't hold it, and played like he thought it would come back. By triangle, in this case, I really mean any team oriented style of play where the ball moves. Ultimately, that's what Phil was about, he just got too rigidly hung up on the triangle itself, in it's pure form. Who knows, maybe that could have worked if he coached it. Did KP force some shots in the NBA? Yeah, but it didn't feel like a ton. Now, in FIBA - has he forced it maybe just a little more? I think so, but he's still playing the team's system, and don't we sort of want him to force a few shots, as Knicks should want him to have "the man" mentality? Plus he is the star of the Latvian team. KP also seems a willing enough passer, in terms of setting up a guy for a bucket, making the pass to the pass to the assist etc. I'll go over passing a little more below.

Insanely low BBall IQ - This is a little different. First of all, I'll assume you are frustrated by KP's lack of Bball IQ at times and are exaggerating. I hope. I think his Bball IQ, in terms of court awareness, needs work. I don't think it's a 100% of the time thing or all situations thing. But his Bball IQ is spotty at times. Now, anyone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I pretty distinctly remember draft profiles on him, that had as "knocks" that his bball IQ/situational awareness needed work (offense and defense), that he could tend to 'drift' in games and rebounding could be better. I'd say that those assessments were true. I also think that many fans feelings towards KP went from "he's a project" -> "wow, he can see minutes" -> "He should start but he'll probably be raw" -> "He's not as raw as we thought" -> "Wow, he's progressing pretty quickly, but still a work in progress" -> "He's pretty good, but needs a post game" to "Why isn't he a star yet?"-> "I'm disappointed"

New paragraph to avoid the block of text. So, his offensive awareness could be better. He needs work in the P&R, in terms of when to set a hard pick, when to show, when to slip and spacing. If you could combine Willies post/P&R skills with KP, I think we'd be talking top 5 player in the game. Now, Willie and KP - KP has 1 NBA pro year on him and I'd assume the lifetime amount of basketball is similar. Yet Willie's understanding of spacing is much more advanced. KP may never get to this level. It's a form of talent, a kind of talent. And passing is part of that. Also, I used to be annoyed that KP wouldn't get passes from the Knicks guards last year, and of course Rose would have tunnel vision, but even CLee and Holiday would look him off, or what looked like it. I noticed, and pretty sure others on here brought it up, that KP wouldn't always be in the best location - I mean besides screens.
But again, while it was noticeable enough, I don't think it was screamingly bad. Not unlike "selfishness". I've seen the Harrington's play on the Knicks. I know what a black hole on offense looks like.

Ok, I think I had a little more or more eloquent way to say this, but I started this typing at 9 and got tied up in work until 12.

And1'd you for your effort and biting on it, though this wasn't a bait. But I still stand by my claims and think that KP if had higher BBiq could be 5 times better player than Jokic but it is exactly BBiq and ego(partially NYers fault that praised him too much) that keeps him from being a truly great player. He seems like a dude who apart from shooting (also really inconsistent) and shot blocking doesnt bring anything else and when his shot isn't falling he gets frustrated and is a huge negativity because he gets in foul trouble and rushes things on offense.

Maybe things will improve with maturity (really hope so) but if not then he will be talked about like: WOULDA COULDA SHOULDA


And when I think about it I think this dude really needs to drop off Janis or whoever is coaching him and start leeching off guys like Nowitzki, I think Nowitzki mentoring KP could get his mindset straight, I don't like the path he is taking as I don't believe he will succeed and meet expectations without some great basketball mind grooming him

[thebuzzardman]

Idk I just see so many flaws that are not related to his physical condition or strength that I need to vent through this board

Hmm. I'll bite.

Selfish - Not seeing it. In fact, I thought KP was pretty deferential in his style of play and wished he would have called for the ball more, even in his rookie year and especially in his 2nd year. One of the reasons I thought he was a good "triangle" player was the fact that he moved the ball, didn't hold it, and played like he thought it would come back. By triangle, in this case, I really mean any team oriented style of play where the ball moves. Ultimately, that's what Phil was about, he just got too rigidly hung up on the triangle itself, in it's pure form. Who knows, maybe that could have worked if he coached it. Did KP force some shots in the NBA? Yeah, but it didn't feel like a ton. Now, in FIBA - has he forced it maybe just a little more? I think so, but he's still playing the team's system, and don't we sort of want him to force a few shots, as Knicks should want him to have "the man" mentality? Plus he is the star of the Latvian team. KP also seems a willing enough passer, in terms of setting up a guy for a bucket, making the pass to the pass to the assist etc. I'll go over passing a little more below.

Insanely low BBall IQ - This is a little different. First of all, I'll assume you are frustrated by KP's lack of Bball IQ at times and are exaggerating. I hope. I think his Bball IQ, in terms of court awareness, needs work. I don't think it's a 100% of the time thing or all situations thing. But his Bball IQ is spotty at times. Now, anyone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I pretty distinctly remember draft profiles on him, that had as "knocks" that his bball IQ/situational awareness needed work (offense and defense), that he could tend to 'drift' in games and rebounding could be better. I'd say that those assessments were true. I also think that many fans feelings towards KP went from "he's a project" -> "wow, he can see minutes" -> "He should start but he'll probably be raw" -> "He's not as raw as we thought" -> "Wow, he's progressing pretty quickly, but still a work in progress" -> "He's pretty good, but needs a post game" to "Why isn't he a star yet?"-> "I'm disappointed"

New paragraph to avoid the block of text. So, his offensive awareness could be better. He needs work in the P&R, in terms of when to set a hard pick, when to show, when to slip and spacing. If you could combine Willies post/P&R skills with KP, I think we'd be talking top 5 player in the game. Now, Willie and KP - KP has 1 NBA pro year on him and I'd assume the lifetime amount of basketball is similar. Yet Willie's understanding of spacing is much more advanced. KP may never get to this level. It's a form of talent, a kind of talent. And passing is part of that. Also, I used to be annoyed that KP wouldn't get passes from the Knicks guards last year, and of course Rose would have tunnel vision, but even CLee and Holiday would look him off, or what looked like it. I noticed, and pretty sure others on here brought it up, that KP wouldn't always be in the best location - I mean besides screens.
But again, while it was noticeable enough, I don't think it was screamingly bad. Not unlike "selfishness". I've seen the Harrington's play on the Knicks. I know what a black hole on offense looks like.

Ok, I think I had a little more or more eloquent way to say this, but I started this typing at 9 and got tied up in work until 12.

And1'd you for your effort and biting on it, though this wasn't a bait. But I still stand by my claims and think that KP if had higher BBiq could be 5 times better player than Jokic but it is exactly BBiq and ego(partially NYers fault that praised him too much) that keeps him from being a truly great player. He seems like a dude who apart from shooting (also really inconsistent) and shot blocking doesnt bring anything else and when his shot isn't falling he gets frustrated and is a huge negativity because he gets in foul trouble and rushes things on offense.

Maybe things will improve with maturity (really hope so) but if not then he will be talked about like: WOULDA COULDA SHOULDA


And when I think about it I think this dude really needs to drop off Janis or whoever is coaching him and start leeching off guys like Nowitzki, I think Nowitzki mentoring KP could get his mindset straight, I don't like the path he is taking as I don't believe he will succeed and meet expectations without some great basketball mind grooming him

I didn't think it was bait.

I think you're suffering a little bit from building up KP in your mind and then tearing him down a bit much when he's not living up to it. He's a different player than Jokic, that's for sure. Jokic's got the athleticism of a slug, but he plays really smart and has a gift for passing. Not every C is going to pass well. Most don't. KP is about average for a big. Willy is above average; how much, too soon to tell. Jokic already looks like one of the best ever. Just different players. Jokic's a post guy who shoots the occasional 3, KP is an outside guy who occasionally posts but should (but might not) more in the future.

Jokic and WillieB have a high level of feel for the game. Not every player has it. Some players can jump, others shoot, others handle, others - feel for the game. KP's needs work, but it's not horrible. I don't know, seems like you are overreacting. And possibly riding Jokic's jock a bit.

*edit - I get you perceive an ego issue after the "not reporting" and probably putting pressure on the team to get rid of Phil. Conversely, Phil was sort of screwing up, so maybe better in the long run. It's not the first time a player has flexed on coaches or management, but KP is sort of early in the career for it, granted.

[Johnny Firpo]

KP looks like a much improved player. He is noticeably stronger and bigger, yet still very fluid in his movement, and his jumpshot looks to have a little more arch on it. My prediction is that he will put up 22/8/2/2 next year on 60%TS, and may make the All-Star team depending on where the Knicks stand. Although I have to say, it is BS that they changed the voting rules, because he is going to be more popular with the fans than the players and coaches, although the latter will appreciate him.

[NoLayupRule]

KP looks like a much improved player. He is noticeably stronger and bigger, yet still very fluid in his movement, and his jumpshot looks to have a little more arch on it. My prediction is that he will put up 22/8/2/2 next year on 60%TS, and may make the All-Star team depending on where the Knicks stand. Although I have to say, it is BS that they changed the voting rules, because he is going to be more popular with the fans than the players and coaches, although the latter will appreciate him.

I think strength/fatigue was a major part of his struggles from 3

he tends to shoot a little out of distance and a little too quickly at times

he's clearly got the shot
its just at times its a little fatigued

more strength will allow him to hit those that much better

[GONYK]

KP looks like a much improved player. He is noticeably stronger and bigger, yet still very fluid in his movement, and his jumpshot looks to have a little more arch on it. My prediction is that he will put up 22/8/2/2 next year on 60%TS, and may make the All-Star team depending on where the Knicks stand. Although I have to say, it is BS that they changed the voting rules, because he is going to be more popular with the fans than the players and coaches, although the latter will appreciate him.

I think strength/fatigue was a major part of his struggles from 3

he tends to shoot a little out of distance and a little too quickly at times

he's clearly got the shot
its just at times its a little fatigued

more strength will allow him to hit those that much better

I think KP's shot falling off last season is directly tied to his achilles injury. He lacked the lift he was used to when he shot from 3. That is why his 3pt shot fell, but his mid range % basically held steady.

Now that he's healthy again, and even stronger, the lift is back, so the shot is back.

[NYKAL]

KP needs more post moves. He can't face up and shoot over everyone. He does get his shots blocked a lot I've noticed. The dirk fadeaway and using hooks (SKYHOOK) are great for him.

I only recall it getting blocked like 2 times.

Plumlee on Portland.
Who else? I can't say I watch every second of every game though.

I seem to remember Gobert blocking his shot twice in the same game.

[thebuzzardman]

KP needs more post moves. He can't face up and shoot over everyone. He does get his shots blocked a lot I've noticed. The dirk fadeaway and using hooks (SKYHOOK) are great for him.

I only recall it getting blocked like 2 times.

Plumlee on Portland.
Who else? I can't say I watch every second of every game though.

I seem to remember Gobert blocking his shot twice in the same game.

Probably. I just think he gets blocked often. Far from it. First off, he shoots a lot of jumpers, so I'd hope not. I know Plumlee blocked a jumper on him though.

[F N 11]

I still think the aggression in which he is driving to the basket is what impresses me the most. He's going with a purpose.

[Jstock12]

I still think the aggression in which he is driving to the basket is what impresses me the most. He's going with a purpose.

KP driving aggressively to the hoop is something the league has no way to deal with. 90% of the time it would result in either a dunk, layup, foul or And1.

[NoLayupRule]

I still think the aggression in which he is driving to the basket is what impresses me the most. He's going with a purpose.

KP driving aggressively to the hoop is something the league has no way to deal with. 90% of the time it would result in either a dunk, layup, foul or And1.

Or a heart attack by me

Every time I see him get hit on those moves and fall I think, that's it! Career ending injury.

[Jstock12]

I still think the aggression in which he is driving to the basket is what impresses me the most. He's going with a purpose.

KP driving aggressively to the hoop is something the league has no way to deal with. 90% of the time it would result in either a dunk, layup, foul or And1.

Or a heart attack by me

Every time I see him get hit on those moves and fall I think, that's it! Career ending injury.

Well, KP can just stay at the 3-point line hoisting threes, but that way he wouldn't have a chance of realizing his full potential So if we want him to be the best he can be, there might be some risks involved in that.

[F N 11]

KP driving aggressively to the hoop is something the league has no way to deal with. 90% of the time it would result in either a dunk, layup, foul or And1.

Or a heart attack by me

Every time I see him get hit on those moves and fall I think, that's it! Career ending injury.

Well, KP can just stay at the 3-point line hoisting threes, but that way he wouldn't have a chance of realizing his full potential So if we want him to be the best he can be, there might be some risks involved in that.

He will live at the line with that and also if he learns how to go straight up on smaller guys. Untapped.

[NoLayupRule]

KP looks like a much improved player. He is noticeably stronger and bigger, yet still very fluid in his movement, and his jumpshot looks to have a little more arch on it. My prediction is that he will put up 22/8/2/2 next year on 60%TS, and may make the All-Star team depending on where the Knicks stand. Although I have to say, it is BS that they changed the voting rules, because he is going to be more popular with the fans than the players and coaches, although the latter will appreciate him.

I think strength/fatigue was a major part of his struggles from 3

he tends to shoot a little out of distance and a little too quickly at times

he's clearly got the shot
its just at times its a little fatigued

more strength will allow him to hit those that much better

I think KP's shot falling off last season is directly tied to his achilles injury. He lacked the lift he was used to when he shot from 3. That is why his 3pt shot fell, but his mid range % basically held steady.

Now that he's healthy again, and even stronger, the lift is back, so the shot is back.

I sure hope so, though I saw it year one too

Some of the shot issues were fatigue related
Some were shot selection related
Some were injury related
Some were team issues where he seemed to get forgotten at best, frozen out at worst


I'm really hopeful we do see that growth this year

Most improved player?
A boy can dream!!

[Jstock12]

I think strength/fatigue was a major part of his struggles from 3

he tends to shoot a little out of distance and a little too quickly at times

he's clearly got the shot
its just at times its a little fatigued

more strength will allow him to hit those that much better

I think KP's shot falling off last season is directly tied to his achilles injury. He lacked the lift he was used to when he shot from 3. That is why his 3pt shot fell, but his mid range % basically held steady.

Now that he's healthy again, and even stronger, the lift is back, so the shot is back.

Most improved player?
A boy can dream!!

33.0 mpg
23.5 ppg (48% FG / 38% 3PT / 84% FT)
9.2 rpg
2.7 apg
2.2 bpg
1.4 spg

[Johnny Firpo]

Every time I see him get hit on those moves and fall I think, that's it! Career ending injury.

He is a nimble fellow with good flexiblity, similar to Dirk, who was an ironman. Sure, he is a little bit taller, but not that heavy, and even on his dunks he doesn't jump with full power, only as high as needed. It actually allows him to dunk it quicker on reverse dunks and open drives. It's just that he will not posterize a lot of people that way, but who cares about that, right?

[thr3ep01nte4]

Watch on YouTube

It would be amazing if KP can do some of these in a couple of years.

[fatalogic]

Watch on YouTube

It would be amazing if KP can do some of these in a couple of years.

I think this will open peoples eyes about Dirk. They get mad when they see KP can't back people down but neither did Dirk. His game was about his turn around and catching people with a quick base line spin. All KP needs to learn is how to use his height ,leverage and subtle fakes to lull the defense before hitting the turn around. A baby hook would be a nice weapon to add too.

Being 7'3 doesn't mean he needs to live in the post. He needs to improve his core so he can stand his ground in the post but I don't think he should rush bulking up. There is a reason that Dirk is still playing right now and all the other post players of his era aren't. The game is going back to valuing finesse, speed and skill over raw power game of the 90s and KP is wise for modeling his game for that.

[thr3ep01nte4]

Watch on YouTube

It would be amazing if KP can do some of these in a couple of years.

I think this will open peoples eyes about Dirk. They get mad when they see KP can't back people down but neither did Dirk. His game was about his turn around and catching people with a quick base line spin. All KP needs to learn is how to use his height ,leverage and subtle fakes to lull the defense before hitting the turn around. A baby hook would be a nice weapon to add too.

Being 7'3 doesn't mean he needs to live in the post. He needs to improve his core so he can stand his ground in the post but I don't think he should rush bulking up. There is a reason that Dirk is still playing right now and all the other post players of his era aren't. The game is going back to valuing finesse, speed and skill over raw power game of the 90s and KP is wise for modeling his game for that.

Indeed. The first thing KP needs to do is to find some sweet spots inside the three point line. Dirk has those places such as the free throw line, 45 degrees in the mid post.

[K_ick_God]

So KP exploded recently. That's good.

[ChaosHamster]

So KP exploded recently. That's good.

Spoiler: