Kristaps Porzingis Asks Carmelo Anthony to Stay with Knicks
Rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis publicly pleaded with franchise player Carmelo Anthony to remain with the New York Knicks. It’s the second time he’s done so.
In late February, Kristaps Porzingis told reporters that he does not want Carmelo Anthony to waive his no-trade clause and leave the New York Knicks. Porzingis cited Anthony’s role of a mentor as being critical to his development into the rookie sensation that he’s become.
In a recent interview, Porzingis doubled down on those comments.
Porzingis has taken on the mantle of being the Knicks’ next franchise player. Anthony, who currently holds that distinction, has selflessly embraced the task of developing his heir apparent without the signs of resistance that many expected him to display.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Porzingis went as far as saying that he needs Anthony to remain in New York.
"“Obviously I want him to stay here. We need him. I need him,” Kristaps Porzingis told the Daily News. “And we don’t want to lose him.”“I need to No. 1, to learn from him. And to win. We need him to win,” Porzingis told The News. “Without him it would be much more difficult. Him leaving would be tough but I’m not worried about that, I don’t think it’s going that way. He’s been loyal. I think he loves New York. And that’s the most important thing.”"
When the future face of the franchise demands the presence of the current face of the franchise, it’s hard not to listen.
Porzingis represents the future of New York basketball, which is something that very few players have been able to say. Since Patrick Ewing was selected at No. 1 overall in 1985, only two players drafted by the Knicks have gone on to become All-Stars: Mark Jackson in 1987 and David Lee in 2005.
New York has often drafted well, but has rarely managed to strike gold on the star front.
Porzingis wasn’t expected to pan out, but his acquisition could be the move that forever alters the trajectory of the organization. He’s turned heads throughout his rookie season, shining in ways that both show up in the box score and fail to be reflected through statistics.
Despite his extraordinary early success, Porzingis wants nothing more than to continue improving by seeking advice and tutelage from current and former players—namely Anthony.
"“Definitely (improving my post game is important). I have a great guy to learn from, Carmelo Anthony. So I’ll be working out with him probably in the summer,” Porzingis said. “I’ll try to find the right people to work with, to learn more and maybe an ex-NBA player who is really good in the post, somebody I can find who can help me with that. Put in the work, come back next season better.”"
The desire to improve is all you can ask of a 20-year-old with elite physical gifts.
Porzingis has exceeded all expectations with rookie-year averages of 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 offensive boards, 1.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 3-point field goals made per game. He’s pulled out poster dunks, Dream Shakes, reverse layups, and step-back jumpers, and has helped New York rank No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage at the rim.
In the process, Porzingis has made NBA history.
That’s a compelling sign.
Porzingis’ upside has been established, but the 20-year-old clearly believes that he needs Anthony’s leadership to maximize his full potential. The question is, will Anthony do as Porzingis wishes and remain in New York?
Or will he request a trade this coming summer?
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Only time will tell, but Porzingis has made it known that he wants Anthony to stay.