Daily Knicks
Fansided

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

By Maxwell Ogden

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Mar 11, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Uncertain Future, Part I: Derrick Rose

The New York Knicks have trusted Derrick Rose to take over games in the clutch during the 2016-17 season. Though one could fairly criticize other aspects of his game, Rose has excelled during late-game situations.

The question is: how often should New York get Rose the ball during clutch situations when he may not even be a member of the organization in 2017-18?

Rose is in the final season of his five-year contract and will reportedly request a max contract this summer. With free agency looming, it stands to reason that the Knicks could play the 2017-18 season without Rose starting at point guard.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Rose’s future with the organization, it’s fair to believe that he shouldn’t be featured in a bigger role than Porzingis.

Thus far in 2016-17, Rose has a usage percentage of 25.6 and Porzingis checks in at 24.1. Rose plays an invaluable role as New York’s only reliable slasher, but Porzingis projects to be the Knicks’ next franchise player.

Rose should continue to receive the opportunity to prove his long-term value, but not at the cost of the development of Porzingis.

Home/Knicks News