Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks’ fourth overall pick from this year’s draft, has just gotten his NBA career under way at the Las Vegas Summer League, where the eyes of hundreds of people from all over the association are watching him, in addition to the kinds of geeks who watch Summer League on TV (*raises hand*). So far, he’s been mildly impressive, focusing on his game around the basket and showing a little more strength than most expected from him at this point. Then again, it’s Summer League, so nothing means much of anything. Still, at least there’s some more tape of him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzJh2qvHbec&ab_channel=FreeDawkins
But what Porzingis has showed has been enough to build some hype around Vegas, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, who says that some executives think the Knicks got a steal in the draft:
I've had two coaches and one GM in Las Vegas tell me they would have taken Kristaps Porzingis first overall. Latvian Mamba-mania.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) July 14, 2015
It’s pretty hilarious that these sources are saying things like this now, past when it would make any difference in the draft but early enough to look stupid if he doesn’t pan out (which isn’t any more or less likely after two summer league games). Then again, this is exactly the kind of meaningless hype-building endemic to the slow months of the offseason. Even if there are executives and coaches who believe Porzingis deserved to be picked ahead of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, Jahlil Okafor or even Emmanuel Mudiay (who has looked the best of anybody at Summer League so far), those opinions hold less than no weight before any of these rookies have played in a real game.
Anyway, good luck Zinger! We do all still have high hopes for you.
(Via Twitter)
