Nothin' But Nets
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Comparing the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks Starting Five

By Malcolm Ireland

Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots over Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots over Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the basket defended by Utah Jazz forward Trevor Booker (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives to the basket defended by Utah Jazz forward Trevor Booker (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Power Forward

Once again, the Knicks have a clear advantage at this position. Kristaps Porzingis had a successful rookie campaign last year. In his rookie season, Porzingis averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. The numbers do not tell the whole story here. This was a guy that Knicks fans booed on draft night and everyone had doubts about. He came out and proved all the critics wrong. Not only that, but he is an unusual player as well. A power forward listed at 7-foot-3 who can shoot the three ball. This is what you could call a “rare breed.” Many are expecting Porzingis to make even bigger strides going into his second season. With that said, how do the Nets match up?

This is a position that the Nets do not have a definite answer at. As I said in a previous article, I think Trevor Booker will be the Nets’ starting power forward. That could honestly change over night. But for the sake of this article, let’s say Booker is starting at the four. Booker offers athleticism at the power forward position. He is also a scrappy player. He is willing to get in the paint and fight for an offensive rebound. Booker will do anything to get his team a second chance on offense.

Porzingis should have a field day on offense when playing the Nets, due to his size alone. The Knicks should dominate the Nets at this position, considering they will not have much of a solution for Porzingis. Until the Nets find a permanent solution at power forward, this will be a problem for Brooklyn every night, not just against New York.