New York Knicks: Stars Aren’t Always The Answer

Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks fans understandably want an instant fix to the current predicament. It may not instant, but the best fix isn’t aimlessly chasing stardom.


Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Knicks fans are frustrated. The understandable impatience has been fermented by an organization that’s consistently come up short in its attempts to build a team of any relevance whatsoever.

Star-hungry as New York understandably is, it’s time to embrace reality: chasing the stars isn’t the only way to dig the Knicks out of his predicament.

New York already has two franchise centerpieces in nine-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony and 2016 All-Rookie First Team honoree Kristaps Porzingis. One position over, Robin Lopez is as solid a center as one could find in the modern NBA.

With one of the best frontcourt trios in the Eastern Conference already built and established, some well-timed singles could be just as effective as a home run.

Championship teams may be built around the stars, but they don’t break through without the ideal complementary pieces. Role players aren’t to be defined during a time with nothing up top, but instead to be valued for their specialized skills.

Those who play a specific role often determine the fluidity of a team’s offensive and defensive execution.

Next: Balance Wins Games