New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis was asked about the non-stop debate about whether the team should be his or Carmelo Anthony‘s.
The New York Knicks (8-9) are in a weird position. Their roster was assembled to win now but their best all-around player is a 21-year-old kid in his second season who’s still learning the NBA game.
Kristaps Porzingis has been nipping at the heels incumbent franchise player Carmelo Anthony for awhile. Or that’s what the fans and media in New York would have you believe.
The truth is that these guys seem to be good friends and both are only concerned about winning.
Porzingis reiterated that sentiment when talking to ESPN New York’s Ian Begley.
“That’s not something I’m worried about. I read social media and twitter and all that. But a lot of that is just in and out (of my mind) and I don’t really pay attention to it. It doesn’t really matter. All that really matters is winning games. And as long as we’re winning, it’s not going to be a debate about whose team is it or whatever. So that’s the main focus.”
Because of his long reputation and tremendous salary Melo is the one who will take the blame when the Knicks lose.
Porzingis is the young phenom who’s still let off the hook for his mistakes because of his age.
The real issue that Anthony’s critics have always had with him is what they perceive as selfish play. It’s why many feel he should take a step back now.
After 17 games, Melo is averaging 19.0 FGA per game to Porzingis’ 15.8. Both players average the same number of three’s (5.6), but Melo shoots .344 while KP is .406.
Melo’s team-leading usage percentage (29.5%) is 5 points higher than KP’s (24.5%).
Anthony is involved in the offense more than Porzingis and takes more shots. That’s not going to change. Not this season anyway.