New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Should Take Over

As New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony approaches the end of his career, Kristaps Porzingis should look to take over the team next season.

During an interview with Marc Stein of ESPN, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony commented on the possibility of never obtaining an NBA title. His quote caught the eyes and ears of many.

Per Stein, Anthony said the following:

"“Most athletes don’t have an opportunity to say that they won a gold medal, better yet three gold medals.  I would be very happy walking away from the game knowing that I’ve given the game everthing I have, knowing I played on a high level at every level: high school, college, won a Championship in college and possibly three gold medals.  I can look back on it when my career is over, if I dont have an NBA championship ring — and say I had a great career.”"

According to Stephen A. Smith of ESPN’s First Take, the interview was taken out of context. During ESPN’s First Take, Smith announced that, following his remarks to Anthony’s original statement, the nine-time All-Star reached out to him to clarify the misunderstood statement.

Stephen A. Smith said the following about to the phone conversation he had with Carmelo Anthony after U.S.A’s victory over France.

"“He [Carmelo Anthony] specifically said, that according to him, he’s still got a few years to go. Of course he’s pursuing an NBA championship, and he’s starving for it. If he looks back at his career and he doesn’t win a championship, and what he has to lean on is what he accomplished in college, what he accomplished in the pros, and what he accomplished in the Olympic competitions, he’s going to look at his career as being a great career.”"

No doubt Anthony is competing for a championship. Surely, no one questions his ability to be able to carry at team. He’s been carrying a team since he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2003.

Perhaps what Anthony means to say is that he will fight for a championship as long as he’s in the NBA, but he understands that it’s okay if he never wins a championship.

That’s why Kristaps Porzingis should look to take the torch that Carmelo Anthony has been carrying as the Knicks’ solemn leader.

Solely because the New York Knicks need someone to say: “I will stop at nothing until I bring a championship to New York City”.

Porzingis has proven that he has the fire and desire to compete on every single possession. From the time he was booed by those who thought Justise Winslow and Emmanuel Mudiay were the better picks, Porzingis has shown that he’s not a bust.

He’s far from it.

He’s shown that he can be a great defender. He’s shown that he can be a center with the ability to shoot threes.

Previously dismissed a skinny European, he’s brought back Hakeem Olajuwon‘s dream shake and been dubbed by Kevin Durant as a unicorn for his uncanny ability to do it all on the court.

Porzingis shouldn’t take a back seat just because Derrick Rose and Anthony are on the roster. ‘Melo doesn’t need to be the Carmelo Anthony of old—the player who took over the team when the Denver Nuggets drafted him No. 3 overall in the 2003 NBA draft.

It’s time for Kristaps Porzingis to step up and be that type of player.

By no means should Porzingis need to shoot lights out or take every shot on every possession to become the Anthony of old.

However, with his talent and height, he needs to make sure that the ball runs through him to put pressure on the opposing team.

Porzingis needs to be the guy who defenders need to double team. He needs to become a more consistent shooter and, as you can see, he’s already working on his ball handling.

Not only would it help Kristaps Porzingis develop his game to the heights of an All-Star player by taking over the team, but it would also help the New York Knicks.

More importantly, it would give Porzingis the leadership experience necessary to eventually carry the team to its first NBA championship since 1973.

Next: Derrick Rose will help Kristaps Porzingis' development

Let’s go Knicks!