Porzingis: Lack of touches 'doesn't matter' so long as Knicks win
The creation of a so-called "superteam" has inspired renewed intrigue in the moribund New York Knicks, but it might have also tracked in problems.
Namely, how would franchise cornerstones Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony react to the introduction of two high-usage point guards? And would taking away touches impact Porzingis' development?
Porzingis isn't worried about any of that.
"That's secondary for me," Porzingis told reporters Saturday. "If we can win games, it doesn't matter who is scoring. If we as a team can win (it doesn't) matter who is taking how many shots, at least for me. So if we all have that same mentality then we're going to be fine ... It's just as simple as that."
A lack of quality scoring options paved the way for Porzingis to shine during his rookie season. Aside from Carmelo Anthony (and interim head coach Kurt Rambis), there wasn't anyone around to take shots away.
However, the additions of Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings at the point figures to change that dynamic. Both players are shoot-first guards with career usage rates well above that of their predecessors.
| Incoming | Career USG% | Outgoing | Career USG% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Rose | 28.2 | Jerian Grant | 19.0 |
| Brandon Jennings | 24.7 | Jose Calderon | 16.4 |
| Langston Galloway | 17.1 |
But again, so long as the Knicks improve, Porzingis isn't concerned about a lack of touches. Their goal is to make the playoffs, and adding the point guard tandem, along with Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah, certainly provides an upgrade in talent.
"Obviously, the No. 1 goal is the playoffs this year," Porzingis said. "That's where my head is at. I can't be thinking nothing past that. Right now it's the playoffs."