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2016 NBA Rookie Rankings: Where did Mario Hezonja Finish?

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) blocks a dunk attempt by New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee (15) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kristaps Porzingis

Previous Rank: 2

Kristaps Porzingis essentially is one of the most gifted players to grace the NBA in recent years.

He is 7-foot-3 now, and he still moves with the fluidity of a guard. Comparisons to Ralph Sampson are not inaccurate, as he is a giant with the agility to cover the quicker forwards in the league. Porzinigis is essentially approaching the defensive level of an Andrei Kirilenko, and New York Knicks fans quickly embraced the Latvian when it became apparent how good he really is.

Porzingis averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals/blocks per game. He shot 33 percent from three on 3.4 attempts per game. That is a mark he can easily improve on, given his fluid mechanics and obviously high release. Porzingis also has range. The numbers alone do not explain that of course.

Porzingis was thrown directly into the fire and started all 72 games in which he appeared his rookie season. The Knicks really struck gold in the draft, but nearly every team after New York in the pecking order of the draft also had its sites set on Kristaps.

He became the wonder of the draft after his pre-draft workouts which fully exposed the athlete he is. He also genuinely seems to love playing basketball, which goes a lot further than most might actually think it does.

Porzingis was No. 2 in the league in jersey sales, and it is only fitting that his gifts are shown on the big stage of Madison Square Garden.

Next: Rising Sun