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

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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 /

2. Learning By Fire

If you’re of the belief that Kristaps Porzingis isn’t yet ready to shoulder the responsibility of a No. 1 scoring option, you’re not alone. Porzingis is incredibly skilled and dynamic, but his skill set is still coming together.

The fact that he isn’t ready, however, is the foundation for the belief that the New York Knicks should throw him to the fire and let him learn.

At some point in time, an already 32-year-old Carmelo Anthony will will no longer be able to shoulder the responsibilities of the No. 1 scorer. He’s still doing an excellent job in 2016-17, but he’ll turn 33 in May and there’s no telling how much longer he’ll be able to anchor the offense.

With Anthony’s mortality being realized, New York must actively prepare for the time at which Porzingis will need to transition into the No. 1 role.

At some point in time, Porzingis will be facing double teams and elite defenders who key directly in on him. The sooner he’s exposed to that type of nightly pressure, the sooner he’ll be able to

New York has been helping Porzingis develop his skill set in a somewhat low-pressure role, but it’s half past time for him to be exposed to the type of defensive pressure he’ll soon face.

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