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New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis aims to win a title for The Mecca

By Maxwell Ogden

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Kristaps Porzingis of Team World smiles at practice for the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 4, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Kristaps Porzingis of Team World smiles at practice for the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 4, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis is drowning out the rumors. His only long-term focus is to hang a banner at Madison Square Garden.

The New York Knicks are one of the most valuable organizations in all of professional sports. Between the power of Madison Square Garden and the marketability of stars such as Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks have almost incomparable financial value.

Unfortunately, the Knicks are also responsible for one of the longest title droughts in any of the big four American sports leagues.

New York hasn’t won a championship since 1973, nor has it reached the NBA Finals since 1999. It’s won at least 50 games just once since 2000, and has just one division title since 1994—both of which were achieved in a now distant 2012-13.

According to Shaun Powell of NBA.com, Porzingis has silenced the rumors that he wants to leave New York by doubling down on his desire to lead the Knicks to a championship.

"“Look, I was so happy when I got drafted by New York. I was never worried about the big stage or anything like that. I’ve always enjoyed that. I can envision (a championship someday) and see it. But we’re still a long way from there. As we get better, if we can all see that goal at the end and work towards it, anything can happen.”"

Porzingis understands that it will take time for New York to end the title drought, but he seems to be in it for the long haul.

With a 44-year title drought hanging over Madison Square Garden, any and every franchise player will face an elevated measure of pressure and responsibility. The Mecca of Basketball is still a draw for celebrities and super fans, but success has been tough to come by.

In turn, everyone from Bernard King and Patrick Ewing to Stephon Marbury and Carmelo Anthony have endured a heightened level of expectations.

The same will occur with Porzingis, who seems to be welcoming the burden that comes with being the face of the Knicks.

Embracing the challenge doesn’t mean that he’ll be able to live up to it, but it’s hard not to be encouraged by Porzingis’ commitment. Keep in mind: This is the same young man who had the best game of his rookie season in front of Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, and Willis Reed.

There’s an abundance of work to be done, but the Knicks have a rare breed of player and person in their 22-year-old phenom.

Must Read: Designing an ideal Carmelo Anthony trade with the Houston Rockets

If Kristaps Porzingis is able to match his ambition with his work ethic—and thus far, he has—the New York Knicks may end their title drought after all.

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