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New York Knicks: Players who must step up in Tim Hardaway Jr.’s absence

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Tim Hardaway Jr #3 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Tim Hardaway Jr #3 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3. Kristaps Porzingis

Whether fair or foul, the workload is about to increase for Kristaps Porzingis. That’s a scary thought when one considers the fact that Porzingis is already No. 3 in the NBA in usage percentage, but it’s the tough reality of this situation.

This will be more situational than anything else, but on nights that Tim Hardaway Jr.’s scoring and playmaking are missed, Porzingis will need to rise to the occasion.

Ideally, the Knicks will commit on defense and play well enough to alleviate pressure from Porzingis. Even if New York executes in the manner it needs to on defense, however, there will be games and moments during which Hardaway’s scoring is missed.

During those moments, the pressure will be higher than ever for Porzingis to step up and lead the offense with his scoring and improving playmaking abilities.

On the other end of the floor, it’s Porzingis who can lead the Knicks to the necessary improvement. His commitment to defense would enable New York to play at a high enough level to overcome potential shortcomings on offense.

On both ends of the floor, it’s up to Porzingis to do what must be done to overcome Hardaway’s absence and lead the Knicks back above .500.

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