Porzingis hitting rookie wall
BOSTON — Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis acknowledged rookie Kristaps Porzingis probably has become a step slower defensively because of the rookie wall, and played him just 20:14 in Friday’s 105104 loss to Boston. But Rambis doesn’t believe the team’s losing is shaking the 7foot3 Latvian’s confidence or enthusiasm.
Porzingis’ failure to win Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February (Indiana’s Myles Turner captured it) underscored his downturn. Porzingis had won the award for November, December and January. Minnesota’s KarlAnthony Towns, who has swept all four Western Conference monthly prizes, is now a heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
“You look at how many games rookies played in college and in Europe and the travel in the NBA, it’s an adjustment process,’’ Rambis said at the morning shootaround. “It’s developing NBA stamina. It’s difficult on all of the young players. He’s young, slight, there’s going to be things he uses to his advantage and also things players will use against him.”
Porzingis looked downcast late in Friday’s loss. He got off to a solid offensive start with eight points in the opening five minutes, but Rambis limited his playing time because of matchups. He played just 2:41 of the fourth quarter, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds and no blocks.
“It’s never a good feeling to be on the bench and no be able to help your teammates,’’ Porzingis said, showing rare frustration over his playing time. “Since you’re on the bench, the only way how I could help was cheer for my teammates, and that’s what I tried to do.’’
Veteran shooting guard Sasha Vujacic did not play Friday. As the Knicks look toward the future, Rambis has talked about a movement to play younger guys, such as point guard Jerian Grant, but he got in just for 3:27. Derrick Williams, whose playing time has decreased under Rambis, was also held to just 4:43 as the Knicks bench mustered just 17 points to Boston’s 35. … The Knicks host Detroit on Saturday and will face Long Island’s Tobias Harris for the first time since his trade to the Pistons.