After four consecutive losing seasons, the New York Knicks are committing to a rebuild. Franchise player Kristaps Porzingis weighed in on the process.
New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis is one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA. As the Knicks prepare for a rebuild, however, Porzingis will be expected to rapidly evolve from a promising young two-way player into the foundation of the front office’s vision.
Although that isn’t the easiest of scenarios for Porzingis to find himself in, he understands the long-term benefits of a rebuild.
Porzingis’ first two seasons in the NBA were marred by the inconsistency displayed by the Knicks as a team. Come 2017-18, the organization will abandon the veteran-led push for the playoffs in favor of building around a core of young players with significant potential.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Porzingis is focusing more on what the rebuild can lead to than the frustration of the potential struggles.
"“Every situation is different, I got to adjust as quick as you can,’’ Porzingis said. “I played on the international team, now I’m here. Different team. Different mindset.“We’re building something and want to move forward as a team. We’re far from a championship right now. We need to have a progression and move forward as a team and get better every year. I don’t know how long, if we do all the right things and grow, we’ll be there one day.’’"
Porzingis has found himself in a rather unsettling position, but he’s taking it in stride and fixating on the bigger picture—the healthiest approach to the current situation.
New York is further along in its rebuild than most are giving it credit for. It will need time to jell and determine the proper rotations, but it has a crop of young talent and assets to utilize as it follows a proven and sustainable formula for success.
Along with Porzingis, the Knicks have a number of promising 25-and-under players, including Tim Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangomez, Enes Kanter, and Frank Ntilikina.
New York also owns the rights to every one of its future first-round draft picks, and acquired a 2018 second-round draft pick from the Chicago Bulls.
As for Porzingis, most around the NBA expect him to make another leap towards elite status in 2017-18. He’s already one of the most productive players in the Association, but this will be his first season as the Knicks’ No. 1 scoring option.
If Porzingis lives up to the expectations and the players around him develop according to plan, the rebuild may not take as much time as some expect it to.
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Regardless of how long it takes, Kristaps Porzingis has a healthy outlook on the future of the New York Knicks.