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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 /
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Mar 11, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the fourth 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 forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Uncertain Future, Part II: Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is widely regarded as one of the most clutch players in the NBA. He’s earned that moniker by consistently converting game-winning shots, which has created a justifiable belief that the Knicks should continue playing through him late in games.

True as that may be, Anthony’s future with the Knicks is far from secure and it would be naive to evaluate it in any other way.

Anthony will be eligible for free agency in 2018 and will likely be involved in trade rumors—again—during the 2017 offseason. In other words: New York could conceivably have just one more season of Anthony alleviating pressure from Kristaps Porzingis.

Though Anthony may be he No. 1 scoring option again in 2017-18, it would be wise to get Porzingis a brief opportunity to experience life as the offensive focal point.

Even if Anthony were to stay through 2017-18 and accept his 2018-19 player option, he’s entering his mid-30s. He’ll turn 33 in May and will be 34 years of age following the 2017-18 NBA regular season.

Anthony has an all-time offensive skill set, but father time is undefeated. It’s time to start exposing Porzingis to the pressure of being the closer.

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