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Kristaps Porzingis and the path to greatness

Greatness is not equilibrium. Greatness is fluidity: Being able to do what’s needed when needed. In the NBA, what’s needed (and when) is forever in flux. Adaptability is next to godliness. The greats don’t arrive fully assembled, but flawed. LeBron James had no post game. Michael Jordan was an atrocious three-point shooter. Karl Malone missed more than half his free throws as a rookie.

The greats evolve. LeBron is an exemplary post-player, and when if his athleticism declines, his vision and back-to-the-basket skills will allow him to orchestrate an offense well into his thirties. Jordan tied a then-record by hitting six three-pointers in the first half of Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals.