Kristaps Porzingis has been one of the pleasant surprises of the NBA season. The New York Knicks’ rookie and fourth overall selection emerged on the scene with a very strong first few weeks.
Over the past couple of weeks, however, Porzingis has shown some signs of regression. He has continued to have some impressive outings but sprinkled throughout are some games where he has been a no-show, including a scoreless game against the Portland Trail Blazers. That has led to some wondering out loud whether Porzingis has hit the well-known rookie wall.
Porzingis, however, put that notion to bed quickly (via the New York Post):
“I don’t think so,” Porzingis said Monday after Knicks practice in Tarrytown. “I don’t really know what a rookie wall is…
“A couple of bad games, it happens to all of us. Not only rookies. I’m just looking forward to the next game,” Porzingis said. “So ups and downs, obviously this is my rookie season.
Porzingis is absolutely correct. Nearly every NBA player has stretches where he is a little off, especially when they are in their first season. Porzingis is no different. He will certainly get back on the right track as he continues to learn and adjust to the NBA game. Porzingis’ slump should not be seen as anything more than a slump.
