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New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Development If Carmelo Anthony Is Traded

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) talks with forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) talks with forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Knicks defeated the Kings 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kristaps Porzingis is hoping the New York Knicks do not trade Carmelo Anthony because he believes it will make his development tougher.

The New York Knicks did something on Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets that they haven’t done much of in recent years; they finished a game without the help of Carmelo Anthony. Anthony was not out for the game, but head coach Jeff Hornacek decided to ride the hot hands in the fourth quarter, keeping Anthony glued to the bench.

It was quite a feat for the Knicks as they haven’t won a game without Anthony since the 2014-15 season. While that streak is still intact, the Knicks did pick up a come from behind victory over the Nets this week that was keyed by Kristaps Porzingis.

The Nets are the worst team in the NBA by a wide margin, but it was still an impressive showing for some of the Knicks reserves and Porzingis. Many people will say this is an example of why the Knicks should trade Anthony away and begin their rebuild around Porzingis.

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But, those people would be wrong. Porzingis has said in the past that he wants Anthony to remain with the team and that the team needs him. On Friday, Porzingis doubled down on wanting to keep Anthony, saying that he makes things easier on him.

"“I think it would make life harder for me on the court (if Anthony was traded),” Porzingis told the Daily News. “He makes stuff easier for me.”"

On the court Anthony opens things up for his teammates. Despite being 32-years old, Anthony is still the best offensive player on the Knicks. He is still the player that opponents pinpoint as the player they need to stop, and his teammates feed off him.

In that respect, Anthony is certainly needed. But, arguably the most aide Anthony provides Porzingis is in the media. Anthony is constantly under pressure and being scrutinized for his style of play, yet he seems to always take the high road in pressers. Being in his 14th year in the NBA he has learned a thing or two in how to deal with them.

As a result, the media and fans are on Anthony relentlessly, leaving Porzingis basically unscathed. There is plenty of things people could get on Porzingis for, but he is the darling of the Knicks right now. If Anthony is traded, he will become the No.1 target for fans and media.

Is that something the 21-year old Porzingis is prepared for? Probably not. He speaks well and is composed, constantly saying the right things during his interviews. But, would he be able to do the same if he was the center of attention and taking the brunt of the questioning as Anthony does now?
Anthony takes all of the pressure off Porzingis on and off the court. Whenever the Knicks lose, Anthony is the first person people turn to and question. Anthony allows Porzingis to continue growing as a player on and off the court; it is a luxury Porzingis will not be afforded should Anthony be moved.

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Why people want to force Anthony out of town makes little sense. His play style may be frustrating at times, but he helps the Knicks in a lot of ways. If Porzingis is hoping he stays to help develop, why shouldn’t fans feel the same way?

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