Kristaps Porzingis TO BULK OR NOT TO BULK

Since the day he was drafted many have said Kristaps Porzingis needs to bulk up in order to compete in the paint for the Knicks. At 7'3" 240 lbs his ectomorphic body type reminds us more of Manute Bol, Shawn Bradley or Kevin Durant rather than Shaquille O'Neill or Ben Wallace. If the Knicks and Porzingis can resist the temptation to turn him into something he's not, Porzingis has the potential to have a long All-Star filled career.


STRESS

It has been reported that last year KP played 1,072 minutes in 50 games. This year he is on pace to compete for 2,238 minutes. This means KP will be taking his joints, ligaments and tendons far beyond the level of stress they have ever been before. Adding an additional 20 lbs to his frame over the course of one season could have serious consequences to his career.


REHABILITATION

Rehab is not just about restoring function following an injury. It also includes the process of helping an individual achieve the highest level of function possible or PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT.

KP REHAB PROGRAM

If I were in charge of KP's Rehab or Performance program I would have him perform stability exercises 3x/wk and mobility exercises 2x/wk.

STABILITY: Just because we don't want to excessively load his frame with bulk doesn't mean KP shouldn't strength train with weights. Resistance training would emphasize more functional fitness rather than isolated muscle strengthening. For example, standing on one leg while on foam and performing dumbbell bicep curls vs. using a preacher curl machine.

KP would perform Pilates and Yoga based exercises to promote core strength and balance/stability throughout his body. These would also help to improve the slumped posture he's adapted to deal with a world unsuited for such a large man.

Mobility: These activities would include speed and agility training with emphasis on footwork using tools like an agility ladder and step hurdles. KP would also perform plyometric or "jump training," activities to improve his power and speed-strength.

If KP is able to train within the scope of his body type he could be the first Camby, Nowitzki, Olajuwon hybrid the world has ever seen!