Dirk Nowitzki is widely regarded as one of the top international players in NBA history but the German legend feels Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis will surpass him one day, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes.
“He’s way ahead of the curve,” Nowitzki tells Berman. “My first year I was struggling straight out of Germany and he had that great rookie year. If he stays injury-free, working like that — and I know he will — the sky’s going to be the limit.’’
In his third season, Porzingis is averaging a career-best 24.5 PPG with 6.7 RPG in 30 games. Recent shooting issues aside, Porzingis has made tremendous progress not just this season, but over the last three years. Nowitzki referred to Porzingis as a “walking mismatch” for opposing teams. Porzingis’ combination of size, shooting, and defense is why Nowitzki feels he can one day become one of the all-time greats.
Check out other news and notes out of New York:
- In an update on Jeremy Lin, who suffered a season-ending ruptured patella tendon in the right knee on opening night, he is recently started cycling, Bryan Fonseca of NetsDaily relays. Lin, 29, has been stationed in Vancouver to do his rehab with periodic visits to Brooklyn. He has until June 29 to decide whether he will exercise his option for a third season in Brooklyn but after a season-ending surgery, it’s hard to envision Lin forfeting guaranteed money.
- If it were solely based on talent, Caris LeVert would likely be a starter for the Nets. While he is currently coming off the bench, LeVert has made himself the leader of Brooklyn’s second unit, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. “He’s making it his group,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “You do need someone to lead a unit, and they’ve got nice chemistry going.”
- The Nets have struggled when playing back-to-back games this season and it’s something the team needs to fix, Lewis writes in a separate story.