<
        >
          EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
          Get ESPN+

          Kristaps Porzingis is not the next Dirk Nowitzki. So who is he?

          • Chad Ford
            Close
            Chad Ford
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Senior NBA Writer for ESPN.com
            • ESPN Insider NBA Draft Analyst since 2002
            • Writes ESPN's NBA Draft Top 100 and Lottery Mock Draft
            Follow on X
          • Kevin Pelton
            Close
            Kevin Pelton
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
            • Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
            • Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
            Follow on X
          Dec 7, 2015, 03:00 PM

          For the past several years, ESPN Insider's Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton have simulated the kind of discussions that are taking place in front offices around the NBA -- where scouts and statistical experts break down NBA prospects using their "eyes, ears and numbers." This season, those conversations are extending beyond the NBA draft to include prospects in their rookie or sophomore seasons.

          Surprising production for two rookies

          Chad Ford: At the start of the season, we took an in-depth look at Karl-Anthony Towns and felt he'd be a lock for Rookie of the Year. The next week, we tackled Kristaps Porzingis and wondered whether he'd give Towns a run at the award.