Bernard gives nod to stud Porzingis
Bernard King sat on the Garden’s celebrity row last Tuesday, when the Knicks hosted the Hornets, and said he’s never seen anything like it.
King, like many, is in awe of Kristaps Porzingis, who was off to the best start in Knicks history after a dozen games, and scored another 20 points Monday in a 104-101 loss to the Cavaliers.
One of the best pure scorers in Knicks history, King, an offensive technician, sees elements of Porzingis’ greatness beyond the obvious shot-making, including court vision and passing ability that are overlooked.
“I’m sitting there watching the game against Charlotte,’’ King told The Post before his Monday book-signing event at the Garden and NBA Store. “He’s hitting shots three feet behind the 3-point line. It’s unheard of. I’ve never seen anything like it. And he’s capable of hitting midrange and posting up.’’
And Porzingis’ gifts go beyond that for King, the 1980s legend who just released his memoir “Game Face’’ and is on a month-long book tour.
“There’s been a number of players who’ve played with significant height advantages — at 7-[foot]-3, 7-5, 7-7,’’ King said. “I’ve always said height doesn’t play basketball but talent does. Porzingis is an exceptionally talented young man but beyond, he has a tremendous basketball IQ.
“He understands basketball — the game within the game. He’s able to take advantage of his skill set — height being one of them. Most big men with that height don’t have his range, but his other key things are peripheral vision. He sees the floor very well. He sees cutters and guys spotting up. He has tremendous passing skill.”
The defenses will get rougher and tougher against Porzingis, King predicts. But King doesn’t want him to get bulkier, despite his thin frame.
“Teams will get more physical with him,’’ said the Hall of Famer from Fort Greene, Brooklyn. “With his height, I don’t think he needs to bulk up and fight that physical play by the opposition. He still needs to be that finesse player and not a power player. You don’t have to fight the guy for the deep lowpost position. All you have to do is take what the defense is giving you, and he has the ability to just turn around and shoot. He’s very efficient. I love watching him play because he knows the game.’’
Does he have the tools to one day become regarded as the best Knick ever? Championships — not scoring averages and All-Star berths — will determine that, according to King.
“It’s too early to say,’’ King said. “I believe we’ll have to wait until you face tougher opponents. Then you start to find out how well he’ll play at that level. I don’t think there’ll be any drop-off. You’re talking about the best, overtaking Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Patrick Ewing. He’s not there yet, but he’s on his way. Let’s enjoy the ride.”