New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Didn't Have Fun Last Season
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts after a dunk in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on November 3, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

New York Knicks‘ Kristaps Porzingis spoke to WFAN’s Mike Francesca about the tumultuous 2016-17 season. Apparently, it wasn’t much fun.

Kristaps Porzingis is breaking out in his third season without Carmelo Anthony as the featured player with the New York Knicks. Without any Phil Jackson drama, it’s been smooth sailing for the unicorn.

Last year that wasn’t the case. Porzingis tells Mike Francesa that the Knicks weren’t playing as a team in 2016-17. Not surprisingly, it wasn’t a fun atmosphere for the young star to be around. He could tell their hot start (14-10, 16-13) wouldn’t continue.

Via Marc Berman of The New York Post:

“Yes, it was a tough year,’’ Porzingis said Friday on “Mike’s On.” “We won a lot of games in the beginning because of our talent. I could tell right away it wasn’t going to keep that up for the whole season.  It started to go downhill, it wasn’t fun anymore.  It was not a very enjoyable season.’’

This season it’s different. The Knicks have less talent but they are playing with a selfless star who’s bought into the new offense. Porzingis has already developed a great chemistry with new center Enes Kanter.

Porzingis posted his eighth 30-point game of the season on Saturday night against the Kings. He’s putting up phenomenal averages of 30.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks on a slash line of .513/.418/.841.

 
I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.