Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Jeff Van Gundy challenges Kristaps Porzingis to make the leap

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes up for a dunk during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes up for a dunk during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former New York Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy challenged Kristaps Porzingis to make a significant leap during the 2017-18 season.

The New York Knicks have made it abundantly clear that the long-term vision is to build around franchise player Kristaps Porzingis. Through two seasons, that approach has been somewhat protected by the presence of small forward Carmelo Anthony.

With Anthony now a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Porzingis will be thrust into the role of a full-time No. 1 scoring option for the first time in his NBA career.

It’s a daunting task, but the working theory around the NBA is that it was only a matter of time before Porzingis took over as the primary scorer. As the third-year power forward prepares to take on that monumental responsibility,

In a conference call, Van Gundy expressed his belief that Porzingis will need to make the leap in 2017-18—a leap that he believes KP failed to make in 2016-17 (h/t Ian Begley of ESPN New York).

"“This is a great opportunity for Porzingis. Hopefully he can remain healthy. I did not think he made the jump that everyone expected last year. There was a lot of commotion and noise last year that surrounded the Knicks that didn’t have anything to do with winning or development, so this year hopefully it’s a calmer environment, but he’s got to take responsibility and accountability for doing what great players do, which is produce every night and unite your team through your effort and unselfishness.”"

One could debate whether or not Porzingis made a leap in 2016-17, but there’s no denying the need for improvement in 2017-18.

Porzingis made a leap as a scorer between his rookie and sophomore seasons. After averaging 14.3 points per game on a slash line of .421/.333/.838 in 2015-16, he poured in 18.1 points per contest on shooting marks of .450/.357/.786.

Porzingis also converted 112 three-point field goals in 66 games played in 2016-17 after draining 81 in 72 outings in 2015-16.

The pressure will be different in 2017-18, however, when Porzingis is asked to become the Knicks’ No. 1 scoring option.

Beyond the need to put points on the board, Porzingis will be asked to improve in other areas, as well. He’ll be the Knicks’ defensive anchor in the paint, as well as the player whom his teammates look to during times of trial.

As Van Gundy expressed, the Knicks will need Porzingis to do what great players do: Produce every night and unite the team through his effort and unselfishness.

Must Read: Who stepped up during the preseason finale?

The New York Knicks selected Kristaps Porzingis at No. 4 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft with the intention of helping him become the franchise player.

Come 2017-18, he’ll be asked to fill that incomparable role.

Home/Knicks News