NBA Legends Who Have Praised Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis

Honorable Mention: Carmelo Anthony

Perhaps you don’t believe Carmelo Anthony is an NBA legend. That’s perfectly acceptable, although eight All-Star Game appearances, a scoring title, and a No. 12 ranking in career scoring average all but guarantee his one day being enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Regardless of what you think of Anthony, he thinks the world of Porzingis. That started with his post-draft comments, per Ian Begley of ESPN New York.

"“He’s a down-to-earth guy, a humble guy,” Anthony said. “You can tell that he’s got a chip on his shoulder, which I love that. … You kind of have to have that being in New York.”"

Since then, the praise has never ended.

Anthony has embraced the role of a big brother to Porzingis, which may create a slight bias. The fact that the franchise player is willingly mentoring his heir apparent is a telling sign, however, and that offers some measure of validity to his claims.

Anthony went as far as stating that, in due time, Porzingis will be the face of the franchise, per Marc Berman of The New York Post.

"Anthony, who has four years left on his contract, recently told confidants about Porzingis: “He’s gonna lead this organization long after I’m retired. Hopefully we can hoist one or two [championship trophies] before that happens.’’"

Predicting that a player will become the face of an NBA franchise is the ultimate cosign.

Anthony is still the No. 1 player in New York, but he’s played an instrumental part in preparing Porzingis for his future in that role. That selfless approach wouldn’t be taken for a player who could be deemed undeserving.

Anthony’s words set off a chain reaction of praise from legends.

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