There’s no doubt that the basketball world has deemed the Knicks’ selection of Kristaps Porzingis a success so far, just a couple months into the season.
And after Wednesday night’s Knicks win against Minnesota, when Porzingis blocked seven shots (six of which came in the first quarter!), it’s apparent that he’s going to steal some Rookie of the Year votes from No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns, too.
Kristaps Porzingis: 6 blocks in the first half The most blocks Patrick Ewing had in a GAME his rookie season was 5
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 17, 2015
Knicks move to 12-14 w/ win over MIN. Afflalo had 29, Melo had 20, 15 & 9 assists. Porzingis had 11 pts, 7 blocks & 6 rebs. Towns w 25 & 10.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) December 17, 2015
The Latvian center has been drawing early comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki, but the German All-Star said a couple weeks ago that the comparisons are actually unfair to him, because Porzingis is playing better than he did when he was 20.
WATCH all six swats from @kporzee in the 1st half of action tonight. #NYKvsMIN
https://t.co/Db7K8ws1fN
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2015
And as impressive as all those blocks were, let’s not forget he has some skills in the lane, too.