New York Knicks: Five Reasons To Make Kristaps Porzingis The No. 1 Scorer

Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) is fouled by Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) is fouled by Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during warmups before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during warmups before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Knicks approach a disappointing end to the 2016-17 NBA regular season, it’s time to make Kristaps Porzingis the No. 1 option.


It’s only a matter of time before Kristaps Porzingis to take over as the No. 1 scoring option for the New York Knicks. Throughout the 2016-17 NBA regular season, however, the Knicks seem to have prioritized getting shots for Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose.

As the Knicks approach the end of a disappointing regular season, the time has finally arrived for Porzingis to accept the role of the No. 1 scoring option.

Porzingis is in the midst of a statistically impressive second NBA season. Through 57 appearances, he’s averaging 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.8 3-point field goals made per game.

Porzingis is doing so on an efficient slash line of .445/.373/.785, but there’s a harsh reality that must be acknowledged: he isn’t being trusted with a No. 1 or No. 2 role.

Porzingis is currently the No. 3 player on the Knicks in field goal attempts per game, trailing both Anthony and Rose. Anthony and Rose are both high-level scorers, but the time has finally arrived for Porzingis to be tested.

Here are five reasons why the New York Knicks should provide Kristaps Porzingis with the opportunity to prove himself as the No. 1 scoring option during the closing weeks of the 2016-17 season.