Did Kristaps Porzingis workout lock him into top five?
Kristaps Porzingis held his one and only workout for all 30 teams to attend. His workout was impressive to say the least.
"Porzingis was VERY impressive in workout. A scout called him the best player in the draft “He’s better than Karl Towns,” said the scout.Some league executives think Porzingis could become the best player in this draft. However, they believe KAT is the safe pick at No. 1 …"
I’ve felt that way all offseason. Had Porzingis played in the United States instead of over seas, he’d likely be in the conversation with Towns and Jahlil Okafor as the top pick in the draft. His size, speed, athleticism, and shooting ability is an incredibly rare package. It’s so tempting that the 76ers are considering taking Porzingis despite drafting big men the past three drafts in the first round. They’d be crazy to pass on D’Angelo Russell, but then again, it may be Russell who’s passing on the 76ers.
Individual workouts should move the needle only slightly for teams, but Porzingis–and Europeans in general–are a bit different. Some teams are getting their first look at Porzingis in person. Other teams, like the Pistons, have done extensive homework and already have a strong idea of what Porzingis brings to the table. Watching a player on tape is much different than seeing them in person and getting a chance to speak with them face to face.
There’s no question that Porzingis was outstanding in his workout in front of NBA teams. The question is, was it good enough to lock the Latvian into the top five?
The Timberwolves could use a power forward, but I doubt they pass on the more finished products in either Jahlil Okafor (center) or Karl Towns. The Lakers drafted a power forward last year in Julius Randle, with their seven overall pick, but he broke his leg which maybe leaves a fraction of a possibility that they could opt to go in that direction–but it’s not likely.
The Knicks could use help everywhere, and Phil Jackson was at Porzingis’ workout. Neither the 76ers nor Magic are ideal fits. The 76ers are set on big men and the Magic have two stretch fours in Tobias Harris and Aaron Gordon.
I’d say the Knicks are probably the team that makes the most sense in the top five. The Magic would be next, but only because of their forwards’ positional versatility.
It would be crazy to suggest that Porzingis didn’t help himself in Vegas yesterday. His workout was great. But did it lock him into the top five? Not likely. Teams have the same concerns today about him as they did two days ago. Every team knew he could move well and shoot. His weaknesses–weight, defending in the post, rebounding–were not tested and still remain question marks.