New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis tells the NY Daily News that he and his team need Carmelo Anthony if they’re to be successful.
By Chip Murphy
The 2015-16 season has spiraled out of control for the New York Knicks, and it’s time to look towards the future.
Specifically, the future involving the franchise’s best player Carmelo Anthony.
While fans and members of the media may think it’s a good idea to cut bait with Anthony, teammate Kristaps Porzingis couldn’t feel differently.
Porzingis spoke to the NY Daily News about Anthony’s importance to his own success and the team’s.
“I need him, 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.”
It’s not surprising that Porzingis is campaigning for Anthony to stay, given the fact they’ve clearly formed a close friendship this season which has led to them playing extremely well.
According to NBA Stats, the twosome have shared the court for 1,501 minutes this season for a plus-1.9 points per 100 possessions with a team high offensive rating of 105.3.
Porzingis continued, speaking about how Anthony could help him in the offseason.
“Definitely (improving my post game is important). I have a great guy to learn from, Carmelo Anthony. So I’ll be working out with him probably in the summer. I’ll try to find the right people to work with, to learn more and maybe an ex NBA player who is really good in the post, somebody I can find who can help me with that. Put in the work come back next season better.”
No matter how Porzingis feels, as Phil Jackson said the decision to stay or go is Anthony’s. For all his talk of loyalty, Anthony has proven capable of abandoning a franchise before. The Knicks won’t be shocked if he bails, hopefully Porzingis isn’t either.
Kristaps Porzingis makes plea for Carmelo to stay: 'We need him. I need him.' https://t.co/Opwl81UJM5
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) March 27, 2016
