Kristaps Porzingis: Timberwolves 2015 NBA Draft Profile

Mar 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders coaches against the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths:

One of the most important strengths Porzingis has is probably what has him as a certain top-ten prospect in this draft. His shooting ability as a seven-footer is solid and it’s something many NBA teams are looking for in this era. Porzingis is really the only sharpshooting big man in this draft class aside from Frank Kaminsky of Wisconsin. Porzingis shot just under 46% from three in Eurocup play last season.

Porzingis also has a solid mid-range game that should continue to be developed. His height and length should allow him to rise above nearly every defender he’ll face in the NBA.

Defensively, Porzingis’ main strength would be that size and length. He’s a good shot blocker (averaged 1.2 blocks in 20 minutes per game) and his presence in the paint definitely has an impact on the opposition. Additionally, Porzingis is able to defend the pick-and-roll well and is also mobile enough to stay with quicker opponents if necessary. Both of these qualities could be very beneficial at the NBA level.

Next: Weaknesses