As the Knicks season draws closer, less than two months away, the stock on first round pick Kristaps Porzingis appears to be rising. 

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“We didn’t write enough about him,” said New York Post’s Marc Berman. “That’s my fault. We didn’t think the Knicks were going to take a project, but they did and it might turn out working out very well.”

The 7-foot-1 Latvian product was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Knicks this past June. The biggest critique he’s received through Summer League play is that he’s too skinny and needs to get stronger.

Earlier this week, Berman spotted Porzingis at the U.S. Open and liked what he saw.

“He definitely looks broader in the shoulder area and upper body. I got to talk to him for a few minutes, and he has gained about 11 pounds. He is doing five-on-five scrimmages at Carmelo’s gym in Manhattan and he feels stronger on the court and it’s helped him.”

Gaining weight? Doing teammate activities with Carmelo? Who else is getting their expectations levels raised in the off-season so that the Knicks can shatter all hopes and dreams again!?

Seriously though, Phil Jackson will buy himself some grace with the media and fans if Porzingis actually pans out in his first season. And if he doesn't? You won't need to be blaming yourself any more, Marc Berman.

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