Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis dropped 29 points and 11 rebounds on the Hornets this week, and New York’s newest sensation vaulted into a new stratosphere of popularity.
Porzingis said that he gained 15,000 Twitter followers overnight after his 29-point explosion, but promised that he will stay humble. That might be tough with all of New York worshipping him and dubbing him “Godzingis.”
But will “KP6” be another flash in the pan? New York has seen its fair share of sensations, some of which lasted. Let’s compare the “Zinger” to previous sensations.
Porzingod Is A New Kind Of Knicks Star
Dwight Gooden, Mets, 1984-1986
Gooden’s peak was the beginning of his career, when he burst onto the scene as a mere teenager. Gooden’s best season was his second, when he won 24 games, recorded 268 strikeouts, and pitched 16 complete games. He followed up his Rookie of the Year campaign with a Cy Young award, and then in 1986 helped the Mets win the World Series.
Gooden’s career with the Mets faded over time as drugs became a big part of Gooden’s life. He did resurface as a Yankee, pitching a no-hitter in 1996, but nothing would top his early “Dr. K” days. Porzingis may well be the next Dirk Nowitzki, but its also very early in his career. Gooden is an all-time great, and that must be respected.
Kristaps Is Better Bait For Free Agents Than Carmelo
Gooden > Porzingis
Jeremy Lin, Knicks, 2012
Ironically, Lin is on the Hornets team which Porzingis clubbed this week. In February 2012 “Linsanity” overtook the Big Apple for a 12-game stretch in which Lin averaged 20 points and eight assists while Carmelo Anthony was out.
Unfortunately for Lin, the league realized that he was not a natural point guard, and he was not too difficult to turn over. His attacking style required having the ball, and once Carmelo Anthony returned to the picture, Linsanity was cured. He was shunned in the offseason and signed with the Rockets, and just like that…it was over.
Porzingis is a 7’3 lottery pick with 3-point range, and he’s averaging close to double-digit rebounds as a 20-year-old. He should have staying power.
Porzingis > Lin
Victor Cruz, Giants, 2011-2012
Cruz, an undrafted free agent receiver out of UMass, first made noise in a preseason game against the Jets. Most shrugged it off as a meaningless effort in a meaningless game. Cruz started doing big things in the regular season though, most notably crushing the Jets, again, with a 99-yard touchdown score on Christmas Eve that elevated the G-Men to the postseason and crushed Gang Green’s hopes.
Cruz followed up that incredible season with a 10-touchdown campaign which saw him eclipse 1,000 yards receiving for the second straight year. Unfortunately his production fell in 2013, and six weeks into 2014 Cruz tore his patellar tendon and hasn’t returned since. In that time Odell Beckham Jr. has become the Giants’ top receiver, and one of the very best in the NFL.
Because injuries have ruined Cruz’s longevity, Porzingis has a chance to quickly overtake him, but for right now…
Cruz > Porzingis
Mark Sanchez, Jets, 2009-2010
Sanchez was winning games right out of the gate for the Jets, putting up mediocre stats but coming through in the clutch. He earned the nickname “The Sanchize” during these years because the Jets traded up to pick him sixth overall in 2009, and he made back-to-back AFC Championships.
Soon, he regressed. After those two playoff runs Sanchez never made it back as a Jet, and never became the center piece of a successful offense. His stock dropped to rock bottom when he committed the infamous “Butt Fumble,” a Thanksgiving Day turnover that will be replayed on blooper reels forever.
Sanchez had a lot of early success, but the negatives of his tenure are too great to ignore. Also, even during his hot run, many observers could see Sanchez riding an incredible running game and defense. He gets credit for his triumphs, but Porzingis clearly has star capability.
Porzingis > Sanchez
R.A. Dickey, Mets, 2010-2012
Dickey’s run was almost as shocking as Gooden’s, but for completely different reasons. During Dr. K’s reign, it was shocking to see a kid dominating the majors. With Dickey, Mets fans watched an old man (in baseball years) re-invent himself with a knuckleball and become one of the sport’s most devastating pitchers.
Dickey’s three-year stretch was capped off by a 20-win season in 2012 that netted him a Cy Young award. Then, he was dealt to Toronto for catcher Travis d’Arnaud and right-hander Noah Syndergaard, both key members of their 2015 NL champion squad.
Dickey was easy one of the most likeable stars in New York sports history, and he’s helping them even as a Blue Jay.
Dickey > Porzingis
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