New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Only Cares About Winning
How will Kristaps Porzingis feel if the New York Knicks cut the number of touches he receives in 2016-17? If it’ll help the team, he doesn’t care.
If all else fails in 2016-17, the New York Knicks can rest easy knowing Kristaps Porzingis is on the roster. Porzingis is a beacon of hope for an otherwise unreliable organization that’s rarely committed to a long-term development plan.
With a revamped roster and what could be less touches to go around, some have speculated that Porzingis’ progress could be stunted.
Porzingis earned rave reviews throughout the 2015-16 season. He became the first rookie to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made, and was unanimously selected to the 2016 All-Rookie First Team.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Porzingis is aware of his superstar expectations, but is more focused on winning games.
"“I know the team drafting me, they want me to grow and grow into a star, a super star, so I believe that they’re going to help me grow,” the Rookie of the Year runner-up said. “And they know the type of guy that I am. When I have difficulties I will not complain and I will not, you know.“If we’re winning, that’s all that matters to me. If we’re winning, I’ll be happy. And that can help me grow. Last season helped me grow because we lost and that’s a lot to take mentally. But as long as we’re winning and I’m playing hard and with intensity and I have the right mindset then we’ll be fine.”"
Porzingis has remarkable upside and the perfect mentality to reach and shatter his superstar ceiling.
Porzingis will start alongside three of the most decorated players of this era: Carmelo Anthony, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose. Anthony is a nine-time All-Star, Noah won Defensive Player of the Year in 2013-14, and Rose won MVP in 2010-11.
Courtney Lee may not be a star, but he’s an efficient shooter who can create his own offense. Though selfless, he’ll need a fair amount of touches, as well.
Throw in sixth man Brandon Jennings and there are at least six players, including Porzingis, who should get their shots up.
With four high-quality starters and a starting-caliber sixth man, the ball shouldn’t stick in 2016-17. Jeff Hornacek will give all five players on the court a role to fill and an opportunity to make plays.
Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Porzingis doesn’t care if he receives fewer touches; all he cares about is winning games.
"“That’s secondary for me,” he said. “If we can win games, it doesn’t matter who is scoring. If we as a team can win [it doesn’t] matter who is taking how many shots, at least for me. So if we all have that same mentality then we’re going to be fine…. It’s just as simple as that.”"
Porzingis is a true team player.
Hornacek’s offense projects to combine aspects of the triangle offense, pick and roll potency, and diverse motion sets. He likes to push the pace, but doesn’t necessarily make his teams live in transition.
Thus, rather than running an offense that relies upon one player’s scoring or playmaking abilities, Hornacek projects to spread the wealth.
Though often interpreted as a hindrance, that approach to offensive execution should help Porzingis grow.
Chances are, Porzingis won’t see less touches or shot attempts in 2016-17. Instead, he should shoulder a heavier workload as Hornacek enables him to score with improved volume and efficiency.
Nevertheless, it’s comforting to know that Porzingis would be willing to sacrifice his personal gain for the betterment of the team.
Must Read: Kristaps Porzingis on the 2016-17 Knicks: 'We have to make the playoffs'
Porzingis is the type of selfless player whom championship teams are built around.