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The pick is in! With the 4th choice in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Knicks selected Kristaps Porzingis out of Latvia. Here is our KTP on him. Here is SB Nation's profile on him. Here's the big Woj piece.
How do I feel? Okay! Porzingis seems fun, but he seems like he's got a long way to go. He's super tall, he's got a ton of offensive skills, but he might be too gaunt to be an NBA big man at this moment.
It sure seemed like the Knicks would trade this, but now it sounds like Porzingis *is* a New York Knick.
Some thoughts from the group if the Knicks keep Porzingis:
Christian: Yuck at this pick. He's got a ton of potential, but I'm not confident in his reaching it. I don't have faith in his defensive abilities, and I worry about his passing. He's tall though.
Ross: Kind of disappointed due to the lack of immediate impact, but just praying that all the Dirk comparisons hold true. Plus, the fact Vince Carter can't jump over 7-footers anymore makes this slightly easier to live with.
Joe: A home run swing. I hate Dirk comparisons as much as the next guy, but damn, that is one silky, Dirk-esque jumper. Probably won't help the Knicks next year, so I'd like this pick better if they had their 2016 first-rounder.
Matt W: He has all the tools to be an excellent player, and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be the best player in this draft. Regardless, he's a huge risk, and I wouldn't have taken one here when the Knicks have so many holes. Plus, deservedly or not, he's now going to be compared to Bargnani at every turn. I wouldn't even wish that on Andrea himself.
Jon: Love him. Only thing is, he is not ready to hang. NBA bigs will fold this polecat. The New York fans and media (leeches and vultures) will unfairly eat him alive for that, and it's impossible to tell if a 19-year old kid is going to be able to handle that type of unjustifiable mental stress. Granted he seems totally equipped to get by and speaking American perty darn good'll be helpful. I just worry. Great player, worrisome fit.
Matt M: I am absolutely stunned by the Knicks taking Porzingis. Legitimately blown away. I can't remember the last personnel move this team made with an eye on five years down the road. You know what? I'm in. 7'3" in shoes with a fast, accurate release's something the NBA hasn't seen. Like, ever. He's fluent in English, which will help him build his own narrative - no small feat. We often say it'll take a miracle for this team to ever win another title. Might as well draft one and hope this is kismet.