Porzingis says Melo makes it easier for him to score

Kristaps Porzingis may be the future of the New York Knicks, but he'll be the first to admit it's not his time yet.

Entering the campaign with playoff aspirations, the Knicks have gotten off to a slow start, raising questions about everything from their effort, defense, and offense.

Porzingis has shone, though, averaging 20.2 points on a true shooting percentage of 60, and even receiving "MVP" chants. Several fans and reporters have suggested the team should run its offense through him, rather than All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

However, the 21-year-old power forward, who notched a career-high 35 points last week, thinks those people are drastically underestimating Anthony's impact.

"Without Melo, it would be much more difficult for me to get those 30 points, or 28," Porzingis told Ian Begley of ESPN. "People don't realize that. But that's how it is. He draws a lot of attention, and he's the main focus for the other team. That opens up stuff for me. So without him, it would be much more difficult."

The sophomore big man further credited his teammates, including point guard Derrick Rose, for making it easier for him to score. After all, 60 percent of his 2-point field goals are assisted.

"I'm happy to have (Anthony) and D-Rose and guys who are really aggressive driving to the basket, who draw so much attention for me to be able to get those wide-open looks and then attack," he said. "It's good sometimes that we have that. Without them, it would be much more difficult."

Porzingis has defended Anthony before. When the 13-year veteran's name was floated in rumors ahead of last season's trade deadline, the 7-foot-3 Latvian pleaded for him to stay.

Related: Porzingis stresses Melo's importance to Knicks amid trade rumors

"I need him, No. 1, to learn from him. And to win. We need him to win," Porzingis said. "Without him it would be much more difficult. Him leaving would be tough but I'm not worried about that, I don't think it's going that way. He's been loyal. I think he loves New York."

Melo continues to lead the squad, which held a productive team meeting a day before Sunday's win over the Atlanta Hawks. Perhaps it's the start of the 6-7 Knicks getting it together. Luckily for them, they play in the wide-open East, so a return to the postseason is still in the cards.