Knicks · Article: Kristaps Porzingis Taking Killer Crossover to New Heights (page 1)
Kristaps Porzingis taking killer crossover to new heights
by Chris Reichert13 hours agoFollow @Chris_Reichert
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Nostalgia is a wildly perplexing concept. Recounting any event carries an inherent bias from whoever is telling the story. The result is there are infinite “best dunks I ever saw” or “best crossover I ever saw” stories in circulation. A sporting event or moment in time where something renders a person awestruck does not have to qualify as “the best” to warrant serious praise, especially when my best is different than yours.Many in the basketball world would have you believe that Allen Iverson’s crossover on Micheal Jordan is the best crossover ever. The seemingly simple right to left cross holds monumental weight in terms of nostalgia, reverence for the great Iverson. This play was his right of passage into the league, but it’s not even his best crossover, let alone the best ever.
As a 5-foot-10, young, Caucasian kid yearning for basketball greatness, I gravitated to guards; flashy ones specifically. Emulating their moves, the crossovers, the pull up jumpers, the behind the back passes, the facial expressions and the unadulterated flair was the ultimate goal for me as a 14-year old boy. I dunked a basketball once in my life. It was on the court in my yard, my mother was the only human who saw it, no one else believes us and the hoop may have been a little below ten feet.READ MORE: Pick-and-pops with Kristaps Porzingis are unguardable
The dunk is the most emphatic vessel of momentum the game possesses. A vicious dunk, whether on an opponent or unguarded, can change the outcome of a game. Momentum is extremely fleeting and the most fickle of mistresses in the sporting world. While a dunk may be the most emphatic way to alter a single game’s reality, a nasty crossover is just as exciting for a crowd and teammates to behold.
Scroll back up and re-click that Iverson vs Jordan link. This time instead of waiting for the move or listening to the narrative, watch the crowd. Even before Iverson bamboozled Jordan, they knew what was happening. There was an aura of “awww shit somethin’ is about go down” in the air, and once that move dropped, the place erupted as if Shawn Kemp has just reigned down on Alton Lister, but instead of Iverson pointing at Jordan there was a quiet, terrifying tingle down the back of MJ’s neck. That quiet fear in an opponent is what I was after as a kid.
*****
Over the years there have been numerous awe-inspiring guards with handles of gold — Tim Hardaway, Jason Williams, Allen Iverson. In today’s game, we have Kyrie Irving, Jamal Crawford and Stephen Curry. Though these players may instill that elusive quiet fear in their opponents, at least defenders somewhat know what to expect.
Kristaps Porzingis is a scrawny, lanky Latvian who has taken the NBA by storm in just his second season. Along with Karl Anthony-Towns, Myles Turner and others, Porzingis is in the midst of redefining the center position, constantly bringing new things to the table.
Porzingis has a quiet, deadly weapon the others don’t yet possess; the killer crossover. Let’s preface this a bit — Porzingis is 7-foot-3, and not listed, at that height but actually smaller; he’s the real deal massive, have-all-the-length dude. Quite honestly he should not be able to do more than half of the moves he has already shown at that height; it’s just unfair and kind of rude to be frank. But he does, so here we are.
Here is the first example of the ruthlessness of this 21-year old juggernaut:
The fluidity of his movement from right to left with his 7-foot-3 frame is downright silly. He gets Marquese Chriss off balance pulls the string on the leather and raises up for the jumper. This came after fireworks earlier in the game where Chriss and Porzingis had a little tussle, and the fact Kristaps decided, “well I’ll just put you down with this crossover” warms my heart. Chriss undoubtedly watched film right after the game and let out an audible “he got me!” after he realized he had been quietly decimated in this play.Here’s yet another version of the Porzingis killer crossover on an unsuspecting victim:
Look, man, this is absurd. He catches at the top, immediately poses the triple threat (like a damn guard), fakes to the right, pulls back and then goes back to the crossover for the jumper.These don’t appear to be earth-shattering moves, but in reality they are. Reality tends to limit the abilities of each human conducive to their personal strengths and weaknesses, however when Porzingis’ parents gave the “you can do anything you put your mind to” speech he took it as gospel and now he’s unleashing it on the world. It’s terrifying and this is only a slight hyperbole.
Now, he picks on poor Salah Mejri out on the perimeter:
Some might watch these videos and think, “yeah, but this is good defense as most of these guys still get a hand up” and they would be correct, which is what makes it even more special. He’s 7-foot-3 and performing moves we see from guards and few forwards in this league, but let’s not stop there because he’s hitting the shots WITH A HAND IN HIS FACE afterward?! In the words of the great Cris Carter, “C’mon man“.NEXT: The Grizzlies are past, present and future
Porzingis along with other freak 5s in the league right now are changing the game. He’s now opened our eyes to the wealth of talent a mere human being can possess and he’s tapped into the full extent of his potential at a mere 21-years old.I’m fearful for the league and what’s still to come from the unicorn Latvian, but I’m joyful for fans because we get the privilege of witnessing his feats without having to grossly overstate them, because they are simply that fantastic.
http://fansided.com/2016/12/19/kristaps-...
Click on the link to see the videos posted with article.
Also, Chris Reichert wrote the article. He has been the Wojo of the d league and in my opinion the best twitter follow for d league news. He is writing for this site now and seems to have expanded to covering the nba as well.
He did seem to take and make one the other day against Denver, by the way.
He still needs to get stronger...he still needs to work on his post game to exploit matchups and allow him to take higher % shots when his J is not working.
I think crossovers are fine...I just think we get too caught up in them and overlook the fact that they are candy for the eyes of fans. For a 7'3" PF or C a crossover finishing in a 20Ft J should not be the move/shot of choice. KP said he worked on his lower body more than his upper body in the off season... As a start, this is fine, but he still has to work on his upper body strength, not only to help him score inside, but also for defense and rebounding.
He has worked on his midrange game, especially his use of the glass, but he is still awkward at times on shots near the basket that should be automatic for a guy with his ability and size.
I expect I'll get the same "you're too old school" crap, but it will be a great post-up game that allows him to become a superstar, IMO.
WaltLongmire wrote:I suppose I'll have to wait till next year to read about him taking the sky hook to new heights.He did seem to take and make one the other day against Denver, by the way.
He still needs to get stronger...he still needs to work on his post game to exploit matchups and allow him to take higher % shots when his J is not working.I think crossovers are fine...I just think we get too caught up in them and overlook the fact that they are candy for the eyes of fans. For a 7'3" PF or C a crossover finishing in a 20Ft J should not be the move/shot of choice. KP said he worked on his lower body more than his upper body in the off season... As a start, this is fine, but he still has to work on his upper body strength, not only to help him score inside, but also for defense and rebounding.
He has worked on his midrange game, especially his use of the glass, but he is still awkward at times on shots near the basket that should be automatic for a guy with his ability and size.
I expect I'll get the same "you're too old school" crap, but it will be a great post-up game that allows him to become a superstar, IMO.
Eye candy? Is fooking basketball PORN!!!!!
Yeah, a bit old school with your punch list to greatness syllabus but that's cool!
Nalod has gushed on about this kid and how he could transform the game as we know it because of his skills but this will take time.
Meanwhile, He is not "Dirk" because Dirk needed a few years to work on that move. KP uses that cross over to create space and if not, he'll blow by his man! No big deal, but 7'3 is.
Yeah, he needs to get stronger, but why? He is quick. I know, 7'3 dudes quick should be Hakeem the Dream quick, but this dude is different, he is already beyond Hakeem offensive skills, and he only 21.
Nalod is fine with is his inconsistency. Why? Cuz I like those 35 pt games, and if he only does 16 the next game, that's ok. I want this kid healthy and let his body grow. in time, he will thicken and the power will supplant the quickness. Meanwhile there are summers to be spend with Dirk, and maybe visit uncle Hakeem if his employer so thinks its ok. He is out on the perimeter so his modest rebounding numbers should persist.
His season long stamina has to be established as well.
This summer he can add a sky hook?
WaltLongmire wrote:I suppose I'll have to wait till next year to read about him taking the sky hook to new heights.He did seem to take and make one the other day against Denver, by the way.
He still needs to get stronger...he still needs to work on his post game to exploit matchups and allow him to take higher % shots when his J is not working.I think crossovers are fine...I just think we get too caught up in them and overlook the fact that they are candy for the eyes of fans. For a 7'3" PF or C a crossover finishing in a 20Ft J should not be the move/shot of choice. KP said he worked on his lower body more than his upper body in the off season... As a start, this is fine, but he still has to work on his upper body strength, not only to help him score inside, but also for defense and rebounding.
He has worked on his midrange game, especially his use of the glass, but he is still awkward at times on shots near the basket that should be automatic for a guy with his ability and size.
I expect I'll get the same "you're too old school" crap, but it will be a great post-up game that allows him to become a superstar, IMO.
I'll take the "be more patient" tact here with KP.
Kid is averaging 20PPG on 35 minutes while shooting almost 39% from 3point land with about 1.8 blocks per and grabbing just under 8 rebounds.
KP was on a minutes restriction last year and that was definitely a very good thing, kid is special at 7'3" and needs to grow into body and gain muscle/weight at the right pace.
No post moves this year? No problem for me as progress in other areas has been spectacular.
martin wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:I suppose I'll have to wait till next year to read about him taking the sky hook to new heights.He did seem to take and make one the other day against Denver, by the way.
He still needs to get stronger...he still needs to work on his post game to exploit matchups and allow him to take higher % shots when his J is not working.I think crossovers are fine...I just think we get too caught up in them and overlook the fact that they are candy for the eyes of fans. For a 7'3" PF or C a crossover finishing in a 20Ft J should not be the move/shot of choice. KP said he worked on his lower body more than his upper body in the off season... As a start, this is fine, but he still has to work on his upper body strength, not only to help him score inside, but also for defense and rebounding.
He has worked on his midrange game, especially his use of the glass, but he is still awkward at times on shots near the basket that should be automatic for a guy with his ability and size.
I expect I'll get the same "you're too old school" crap, but it will be a great post-up game that allows him to become a superstar, IMO.
I'll take the "be more patient" tact here with KP.
Kid is averaging 20PPG on 35 minutes while shooting almost 39% from 3point land with about 1.8 blocks per and grabbing just under 8 rebounds.
KP was on a minutes restriction last year and that was definitely a very good thing, kid is special at 7'3" and needs to grow into body and gain muscle/weight at the right pace.
No post moves this year? No problem for me as progress in other areas has been spectacular.
The fact that his ability to finish at the hoop has improved dramatically shows me he is getting stronger. It gives me hope that he will settle in as a post player. But, honestly, there's a decent chance he'll never develop a classic post-up game. I never considered Dirk or Garnett as classic post players and they turned out fine. Also, Anthony Davis has been killing it w/o a classic back to the basket game. IMHO, I doesn't matter how KP scores from the free throw line extended as long as he's effective..
yellowboy90 wrote:NOt really a big fan off his crossover yet because that means he is dribbling and KP is not a great scorer off the dribble.Yeah. He just had a bad turnover dribbling into a crowd.
martin wrote:WaltLongmire wrote:I suppose I'll have to wait till next year to read about him taking the sky hook to new heights.He did seem to take and make one the other day against Denver, by the way.
He still needs to get stronger...he still needs to work on his post game to exploit matchups and allow him to take higher % shots when his J is not working.I think crossovers are fine...I just think we get too caught up in them and overlook the fact that they are candy for the eyes of fans. For a 7'3" PF or C a crossover finishing in a 20Ft J should not be the move/shot of choice. KP said he worked on his lower body more than his upper body in the off season... As a start, this is fine, but he still has to work on his upper body strength, not only to help him score inside, but also for defense and rebounding.
He has worked on his midrange game, especially his use of the glass, but he is still awkward at times on shots near the basket that should be automatic for a guy with his ability and size.
I expect I'll get the same "you're too old school" crap, but it will be a great post-up game that allows him to become a superstar, IMO.
I'll take the "be more patient" tact here with KP.
Kid is averaging 20PPG on 35 minutes while shooting almost 39% from 3point land with about 1.8 blocks per and grabbing just under 8 rebounds.
KP was on a minutes restriction last year and that was definitely a very good thing, kid is special at 7'3" and needs to grow into body and gain muscle/weight at the right pace.
No post moves this year? No problem for me as progress in other areas has been spectacular.
Been happy with his progress...I might expect too much from him, but I was looking for one dominant go-to move in the post, but it looks like he did more work on his SF game...though his use of the backboard has really improved.
I will continue to cry out for an old-school post-up game from him until he shows me that automatic hook shot, or that McHale type pivot foot magic.
yellowboy90 wrote:People are amazed that a 7'3 player is doing things they never seen and think he has such a high ceiling because of his height but sometimes I wonder if he was 2-3 inches shorter if he wouldn't be even a better player because his center of gravity would be lower. His core of agility would possibly be much more compact and explosive. In my head he would be a 7' -7'1 version of Giannis at PF. I also think it would help him in the post. You see player like Embiid, Jokic, Turner, and Towns do a better job because their mass doesn't have to spread out on a 7'3 frame which helps with there ability to handle against strength in the post.
Yup...his size CAN be a disadvantage at times. He's never going to have the big butt folks were talking about before his draft. That's why I think McHale and Jabbar are the past players he would want to look at for examples of how to be effective down low, as their bodies had some similarities... He's never going to be a banger in the post, though.
You can even see what he has to go through on D. Guys who use their butts and hip to gain position down low are banging into his legs because he is so long, and some gain position because of this.
He's smart enough to adapt, though, and I expect he will.
nyknickzingis wrote:He needs to study Dirk. He clearly has been. But he's not mastered the isolations with his back to the basket or in the post like Dirk. He will get there.
He tried to get in on those workouts with dirk this last off season. KP is much further along than dirk was at similar ages. Dirk never had the natural quickness that KP possesses. Dirk at 7 foot found he needed fundamentally strong footwork to create more space for himself and if need be, draw defenders in so he could take it to the rim. KP's cross over is novel for now but ht puts him in a great situation.
He is using his length for now to his advantage. McHale was not nearly the athlete but had quick feet and good hands in an era one could play closer to the basket. Mchale had a great midrange shot. Having bird and parrish never hurt either!!!
He doesn't need to be anyone else..He just need confidence to know that his game is unique and he can't be stopped...But he has tailored his game to work around his lack of strength..
I am not that critical of this though because he's not even 21 yet (i think.) He will continue further development. However, offensively and defensively, this cannot be even close to the final product. God forbid he attempts to mold his game after Tim Hardaway with his crossover.