Kristaps Porzingis "Still Expecting Bigger Things" For Himself This Year

New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis has been one of the biggest surprises of the young NBA season, becoming the Rookie of the Year favorite while leading the Knicks to a winning record. In an interview with WFAN's Mike Francesa, Porzingis said he's just getting started.

“I’m still expecting bigger things from myself,” Porzingis said. “I’m still missing a lot of shots. I’m still turning the ball over. All of those good games that I had, I still could have done a better job. That’s my mentality all the time. I’m just trying to play as hard as I can every time I step on the floor and help the team win.”

Porzingis' highlight-reel dunks have drawn praise from fans, but head coach Derek Fisher said Porzingis' versatility is what makes him so effective.

“I think Kris’ size and length and the fact that he could shoot the ball from wherever he is on the floor, you have to respect that," Fisher said. “That sets up a lot of opportunities to make moves, countermoves, and he’ll develop those things as he matures and kind of learns how to play offense in the NBA. 

“His ability to shoot the basketball just opens up so many possibilities at the end of games. And then also his athleticism where you can run lob plays to the rim also opens up a lot of possibilities. Carmelo setting really good screens at the end of games is going to be challenging for opponents because his guy normally doesn’t want to leave him. So there’s a lot we’ll be able to do at the end of those games.”

Porzingis is averaging 13.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game so far this season.

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