Porzingis Injury Opens Door For Others

Andrew Rosario 

One man’s misfortune, is another man’s opportunity someone once said. For a couple of New York Knicks who are looking to make the opening day roster, the pre-season injury to first round draft pick Kristaps Porzingis is giving them a chance to show head coach Derrick Fisher they have what it takes to make the cut. 

If the Knicks management and their fans had one concern after the announcement they drafted 7-3, 233lbs Porzingis from Latvia it was whether or not he would be able to handle the physical rigors of the 82 game NBA schedule. Zingis handled the summer league competition but that was against players with no NBA experience as well. Against team Bauru from Brazil, Zingis played 20+ minutes scoring 9 points. 2 nights later against Washington playing another 20 minutes, he registered just 7 points. Unfortunately, a nagging injury (strained left quad) has limited his practice time and he was not able to suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers this past Monday night. 

In his last year playing in Latvia, Porzingis didn’t miss any games due to injuries but he readily admits they did not play the same amount of games with the frequencies of games that are played here. “I didn’t miss a game last season and before maybe I missed 1 game” he said, sitting in his lockerroom. “It’s a little different because you only play once or twice a week.” Head coach Derrick Fisher said the team will bring him along slowly and rely on the medical staff to monitor his progress. "He strained his left quad similar to the quad injury he had in the summer in pre-draft, but just not as severe," Fisher said. "We're not nearly as concerned as we were at that time.” The next couple of days will determine if he suit up when the Boston Celtics come to the Garden Friday.     

With Zingis in street clothes, Derrick Williams, in his 4th year in the league and 3rd NBA team (Minnesota and Sacramento) scored 8 and 23 points respectfully against Bauru and Washington. In the first half aganist the 76ers, Williams hit 6 of his first 7 shots for 13 points finishing with 21 in the 94-88 victory. 

Kyle O’Quinn, a local product from Flushing Queens has returned home with hopes of making the roster. He spent the last 3 years in Orlando and averaged a paltry 5 ppg. O’Quinn scored 14 points in each of the first 2 games. 

In his second year with the team, Langston Galloway (11points) is hoping to make a bigger impact after being selected to the All-Rookie Second team. Galloway finished 3rd among rookies in scoring with 11.8 ppg.

There are only 12 roster spots available when the season begins. There are currently 19 players on the roster. The New York Knicks clearly have taken a chance drafting Kristaps Porzigis knowing he would be a work in progress. They’re hoping his progress isn’t slowed by more injuries. If he is, the other players will have to show they can make an impact on a team that won a franchise low 17 games last year.