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Knicks: Win-Now Mentality Is Good For Kristaps Porzingis

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Noah Factor

The New York Knicks have given Kristaps Porzingis an interior partner who can truly change his career. Joakim Noah isn’t just a great rebounder, passer, and defender; he’s a true leader and a respected enforcer.

Just as Charles Oakley was to Patrick Ewing in the 1990s, Noah can be to Porzingis in the modern era.

Porzingis isn’t afraid of a challenge, but when opponents try to get physical with him, someone needs to stand in their way. That’s formula has proven valuable for many stars in the past, and it remains the truth with Porzingis.

The reason Porzingis needs protection isn’t because he can’t handle himself; it’s because the Knicks can’t afford to see him get in trouble for defending himself.

Noah is a vocal leader who plays with reckless abandon and an inimitable passion for the game. His animated personality keeps the crowd involved and his vocality on defense fuels his teammates’ motivations.

There aren’t many teammates more valuable to a young player’s development than the rare few who stand up to the trash talkers and defend the stars from overly physical defenders. Noah is one of them.

Next: Time Is Limited

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