Andrew Rosario
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.
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