Knicks bright spot
Considering how highly regarded Kristaps Porzingis is these days, it’s hard to believe a chorus of boos marked his formal entry in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Although his star was rising in Spanish basketball league ACB prior to his eligibility for the 2015 draft, professional talent evaluators deemed him no higher than a Top 15 prospect. Thusly, all and sundry were shocked when the Knicks used their fourthoverall pick to take him in, with not a few quarters citing the development as yet another example of their ineptitude.
As things turned out, Porzingis deserved the attention the Knicks gave him, and more. He was a rare breed — a “unicorn” in thenpresident Phil Jackson’s eyes — who had both height and range, and his lateral movement served him in good stead on both ends of the court. Soon enough, he became their biggest draw, surpassing resident top dog Carmelo Anthony in internal standing, and not simply because he had both youth and potential.
Unfortunately, Porzingis became disillusioned with the Knicks in light of the soap-opera atmosphere engendered by management’s tug-of-war with Anthony. And so disappointed was he that he chose to skip exit interviews slated to culminate his 2016-2017 campaign. In reaction, Jackson promptly declared him available for trade deals, eliciting public outcry and no doubt accelerating the departure of the former.
Fast forward to today, and Porzingis’ status as the Knicks cornerstone cannot be any clearer. Even as he is said to still be smarting from all the drama he had to endure during his sophomore season, the top brass has made off-limits to potential trade partners. And if reports are to be taken at face value, not even the possibility of acquiring All- Star guard and proven clutch performer Kyrie Irving has made them budge from their stance.
Nothing in the NBA is, of course, etched in stone; Irving’s desire to extricate from the extremely successful Cavaliers is, in and of itself, proof of this. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the Knicks view Porzingis as a vital cog, and it will take an extraordinary offer for them to send him packing. In the meantime, he’s the lone bright spot that fuels their hope for a better future.
Nothing in the NBA is, of course, etched in stone; Irving’s desire to extricate from the extremely successful Cavaliers is, in and of itself, proof of this. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the Knicks view Porzingis as a vital cog, and it will take an extraordinary offer for them to send him packing. In the meantime, he’s the lone bright spot that fuels their hope for a better future.