Lakers Draft: How Porzingis Compares to Other European Bigs
By Nate Edelman
Apr 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates making a basket against the Houston Rockets during the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 121-109. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dirk Nowitzki
The best for last. Nowitzki, largely known as the best international player in NBA history, has played in 13 All-Star games, and won NBA MVP in 2007. Nowitzki stands out because of his solid athleticism and skill set matching his 6’11” frame. Nowitzki is largely a jump shooter and has a great stroke due to his size and high release point. Nowitzki draws contact well and is a great free throw shooter for a big man. On the defensive end, Nowitzki can sometimes get passive and have a tough time matching up against stronger opponents. Porzingis should hope his shot can be like Nowitzki, but his athleticism is much stronger which could benefit on defense.