Few thought Kristaps Porzingis could be so productive, so quick.
The 7-foot-3 center from Latvia has stormed onto the scene with averages of 11.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.9 turnovers in just 24.7 minutes through nine games with the Knicks. He ranks second in the league in total offensive rebounds (30), with only Andre Drummond ahead of him. He’s generating highlight after highlight after highlight and has rejuvenated the fan base in New York with four double-doubles in his first nine games. His near game-winner on Wednesday showed how willing Porzingis is to take (and make) big shots:
There are certainly still problems in his game. He’s shooting 39.2 percent from the field, 20.8 percent from 3-point and only tallying 0.7 assists per game. But stats like these are expected for a 20-year-old rookie. And with his strong demeanor, work ethic and talent, there’s no reason to expect he won’t improve on these numbers as the season goes along. For a player that was selected on average with the 135th pick in Yahoo! drafts, Porzingis is making his owners giddy as he posts these numbers, along with a 23.4 percent usage rate, in New York.
Stat Line Of The Week
James Harden vs. Sacramento
43 points (13-23 FG, 4-10 3PT, 13-16 FT), 13 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 7 turnovers
Weekend Pickups
Nemanja Bjelica, Timberwolves (40 percent owned)
If Bjelica is still available in your league, pick him up now. The 27-year-old rookie small forward from Serbia has quickly carved out a role with the Timberwolves, averaging 8.9 points on 50.0 percent shooting, 1.7 3-pointers, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 28.7 minutes. This major role of the bench is no fluke and it should continue throughout 2015-16. He’s currently ranked as the 77th best player in Yahoo! fantasy, ahead of Dwyane Wade, DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and many other big names.
Ish Smith, Pelicans (24 percent owned)
The vagabond point guard has capitalized on the Pelicans’ injury woes to begin 2015-16. Smith is averaging 10.1 points, 8.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 28.4 minutes and ranks fifth in the league in total assists. His role will diminish once Jrue Holiday gets back to full health. But with Holiday still on a minutes restriction (and not playing the second game of back-to-backs) Smith will continue to have enough opportunity to produce this weekend. The Pelicans matchup with the Raptors on Friday and the Knicks on Sunday.
Cory Joseph, Raptors (7 percent owned)
With Terrence Ross (thumb) out indefinitely, Joseph will have an increased opportunity to produce off the Raptors’ bench. Over his last four games, Joseph is averaging 12.5 points on 63.3 percent shooting, 3.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 27.5 minutes. He doesn’t hit 3-pointers, but the lack of that stat helps his field goal percentage stay high. If you want to add some points and assists at a high percentage to your team this weekend, Joseph deserves a look. The Raptors play the Pelicans on Friday and the Kings on Saturday.
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