NBA Top-10 Rookie Rankings: Has Mario Hezonja Moved Up?

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Kirstaps Porzingis, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards

Feb 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots over Washington Wizards defense during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won111-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kristaps Porzingis

Last Rank: 2

We said the New York Knicks are in the playoff chase, but their current chances are worse than Orlando’s as the Knicks trail the No. 8 Detroit Pistons by five games entering Wednesday’s games.

But Kristaps Porzingis is looking more and more like a franchise cornerstone.

New York is currently riding a six-game losing streak and the last four games have all been decided by six points or less. Even in this Knicks team-wide slump, Porzingis is still putting up numbers.

In his last 10 games he has averaged 13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.7 steals/blocks per game. Porzingis has scored 41 points in the last two games while attempting 23 field goals in the 101-96 loss to Denver on Feb. 7.

It is clear Porzingis is going to be a huge part of the offense the remainder of the way. He is averaging 13.8 field goal attempts in the Knicks’ last five games. Rookies typically do not receive that kind of usage.

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