Phil Jackson Worries That Kristaps Porzingis Is Too Skinny, Compares Him To Shawn Bradley
ESPN- “When we wound up with the fourth pick, I was hemming and hawing about how to choose,” Jackson says. “I knew there were several outstanding prospects that would be available, but I was focused on getting a big man. My decision was essentially made when Clarence Gaines, my primary adviser and a super scout, told me there was a game tape I had to watch. This turned out to be a Spanish League contest between [Baloncesto] Sevilla and a team from Barcelona, a game that Sevilla had to win to avoid being downgraded from Division I to Division II status.” The main player Gaines was promoting was Kristaps Porzingis, or “KP,” as Jackson says he liked to be called. “What I saw made up my mind” Jackson says.
“Although the competition in the Spanish League is more physical, more consistent and more advanced than even the best D-I college teams over here, KP more than held his own. He had a long, lively body, a well-developed basketball IQ, a soft shot with terrific range and he didn’t back down from anybody. Plus, he showed an amazing athleticism for somebody his size.” Primarily powered by the heroics of Porzingis, Sevilla won the game. “The young man certainly stepped up,” says Jackson. Jackson’s seconding of Gaines’ endorsement was confirmed during a pair of individual workouts, as well as Porzingis’ performance in the Las Vegas Summer League after the Knicks had selected him fourth overall. “He can score,” says Jackson, “but his natural bent is to be a team player. On defense, he can block shots from behind and is quick enough to stay in front of guards in screen-roll situations.”
Jackson projects that Porzingis will add at least 10 pounds of muscle before his first season commences, yet concerns still linger over his prize draft pick. “Like Shawn Bradley, who was nevertheless a pretty good player, KP might almost be too tall for the game. What I mean is that his core strength might never be good enough, and that he might not be able to get low enough to get himself into prime defensive position to body power rebounders or drivers.” So, then, what does Jackson foresee in Porzingis’ rookie season? “It’s entirely up to [coach Derek Fisher], but it would be great if KP could get as much as 20 minutes a game early in the season, plus maybe a few more later when he’s acclimated to the NBA game. It also has to be determined whether he’ll be more comfortable at power forward or center.”
So obviously some Knicks fans freaked out after reading that article. What, is being compared to Shawn Bradley a bad thing? The man’s talents were a key part of one of the most physically impressive teams ever (the 1996 Monstars). It’s not like Bradley was a disappointment that was also a magnet for posterizing dunks.
Shit. But seriously, the Shawn Bradley comparison was expected from the Zen Master, who reportedly loved Jahlil Okafor because he had a fat ass. Sure Porzingis needs to hit the weight room and/or go on a blogger’s diet so he doesn’t get pushed around down low. But while Bradley was a typical big man on offense, The Weirdo is 100000% the next Dirk.
Hey rest of the NBA…. BOO!!!
And all these rookies can kiss my ass. They will know how to spell Kristaps Porzingis once his career is over. It will be spelled G.O.A.T.