New York Knicks: 10 Keys to Making the Playoffs

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kristaps Porzingis (SPN) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

10. Develop a No. 2 Scorer

Carmelo Anthony will attempt a lion’s share of the New York Knicks’ field goal attempts. That’s how he plays and, truth be told, there isn’t much reason to ask him to change.

In order for Anthony to make it through a full 82 games without breaking down, however, New York will need a reliable No. 2 scorer.

Anthony is a 31-year-old isolation scorer coming off of knee surgery. He can still put up points as well as anyone in the NBA, but at some point in every game, he’ll need a form of relief.

The question is, can someone on the roster step up and provide it?

Kristaps Porzingis was drafted to be that player, but every rookie needs time to develop. Assuming that proves true for Porzingis, the likes of Arron Afflalo, Langston Galloway and Robin Lopez must step up.

If they, or anyone else, can provide consistent double-figure scoring—an efficient 15-plus points a night from the No. 2 scorer—Anthony may be able to lead an improbable postseason run.

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