Scouting Report: Kristaps Porzingis, PF, Latvia
Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
While teams are surely disappointed when an international prospect doesn't attend the NBA Draft Combine, playing big minutes late in the season in a top professional league outside of the United States is a pretty good reason for absence.
Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis still had Spanish ACB games to play, leaving him without official measurements and opportunity for teams to meet and see him up close. That probably won't make much difference - Porzingis reportedly had a promise in the first round last season, and his latest pro season has gone as well as could be expected for a 19-year-old. Unfamiliarity may scare a few teams off early - he's holding a workout in Las Vegas on June 12 - but there's little question Porzingis is a top-10 talent.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PF | 10 | 5 | N/A (est. 7') | N/A (est. 220) |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A (est. over 7') | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Spanish Stats | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 11.0 | 4.6 | 1.0 | 49.6% | 35.9% |
| 2013-14 | 6.9 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 47.4% | 30.2% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: With increased focus on power forwards who can not only shoot but make plays for teammates, Porzingis enters the draft at an opportune time. He's established himself at the 3-point line, has good enough handles to pump and blow past close-outs, and is smart enough to make the proper passes in those situations. Defensively, his length, quickness, and athleticism give him a chance at adequacy, and he's flashed good shot-blocking instincts. The best news for fans early in his career is that he's a lot of fun in transition, too, and not in the Jan Vesely, "this is the only time I'll score" way.
Weaknesses: Despite the defensive potential on the move, Porzingis will be exploitable in the post, at least initially. That holds on both ends, as he's unlikely to score much from a stationary, inside position. That may lead teams to consider playing him at the three, but his value is far greater as a stretchy four, even if he could be a negative on the glass.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
It'd be a minor shock if Porzingis makes it out of the top 10, as enough teams will be enamored with his size-and-skill combination. ESPN's Chad Ford reported some teams have him as high as No. 2 on their boards, speaking to the Latvian's upside. The Orlando Magic are a nice offensive fit at No. 5, but it's unclear if he fits the organization's defense-first vision under new head coach Scott Skiles. Failing that, the shooting-hungry Detroit Pistons would probably jump at the chance to land him at No. 8, should they keep their pick.