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New York Knicks: 5 Reasons LeBron James Should Sign As A Free Agent

ByKenneth Teape|
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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New York Knicks: 5 Reasons LeBron James Should Sign As A Free Agent
March 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during a stoppage in play against Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Porzingis

At the end of the day, the thing that James cares most about is winning. While playing alongside Anthony would be nice, the Knicks aren’t exactly close to contending for a title. There needs to be more than friendship to entice James to join the Knicks. Luckily, the Knicks do have an ace in the hole; Kristaps Porzingis.

There aren’t many players in the NBA with the upside that Porzingis has. At only 20-years old, Porzingis is barely scratching the surface of his potential, and he has already shown that he can be a difference maker on both ends of the court. Despite having obvious limitations because he is still adding size and strength to his frame, Porzingis didn’t back down from any opponents during his rookie season.

Porzingis proved to already be a solid rim protector, averaging 1.9 blocks per game. He has a blossoming offensive game with unlimited potential as well. He already has a perimeter game, shooting 33.3 percent from deep; his 83.8 percent from the foul line shows that he is a capable jump shooter. Once he gets more comfortable with the NBA game, and broadens his low post arsenal, Porzingis will undoubtedly see his 42.1 shooting percentage increase.

While some people still consider Anthony the face of the franchise currently, the future lies with Porzingis. He will be their golden ticket for years to come, and the best asset they have when it comes to enticing free agents to come play in New York.

With only 72 games under his belt, Porzingis has already became a popular player among his NBA peers, such as Kevin Durant calling him a unicorn. While he may be a couple of years away from reaching his potential, he is someone James should want to play against as he could speed up that maturation process.

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While it is still a longshot that James signs with the Knicks, or any other team than the Cavaliers, the Knicks do have some reasons that could get James to at least think about calling New York City and the Mecca, Madison Square Garden, his next home.

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