Kristaps Porzingis is having a season that literally no NBA rookie has ever had. In the words of Kevin Durant, the Knicks' 20-year-old Latvian big man is a "unicorn."
But Porzingis does not want to go through the Knicks' rebuild alone and made it clear he wants veteran forward Carmelo Anthony to stick around. He said Anthony is vital to both his development and the Knicks' chances of winning.
"Obviously I want him to stay here. We need him. I need him," Porzingis said. "And we don't want to lose him. I need to No. 1, to learn from him. And to win. We need him to win. Without him it would be much more difficult. Him leaving would be tough but I'm not worried about that, I don't think it's going that way. He's been loyal. I think he loves New York. And that's the most important thing."
Anthony has iterated and reiterated that he wants to stay in New York and he even dispelled rumors last month that he was asked to waive his no-trade clause. Anthony has $75 million remaining on his contract with three years to go, and he has missed time with a nagging knee issue that may or may not be a long-term concern for the Knicks.
The pressure is mounting on Phil Jackson, but the salary cap is about to increase and the Knicks have a "unicorn" on their team. Porzingis is the first player in the history of the NBA to register at least 1000 points, 500 rebounds, 75 three-pointers and 100 blocked shots in his rookie season. Additionally, Porzingis and Anthony are a +66 duo when they are on the court at the same time.
Even their most recent loss to the injury-depleted New Orleans Pelicans shows signs of hope. Porizingis completed his 21st double-double of the season and his third in the last four games. They also got a nice surprise when a young boy made his way onto the court to give Anthony a hug. The Knicks better take notice because there may be another young and gifted big man who could use Anthony's guidance.
How about that as a recruiting tactic?
