Porzingis 'ready for the challenge' of leading Knicks in post-Melo era
Entering just the third year of his NBA career, Kristaps Porzingis is ready to become the face of the New York Knicks.
The team reportedly traded star Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and will look to rebuild around Porzingis.
"I am ready for the challenge," the 22-year-old power forward told the New York Daily News' Frank Isola on Saturday. "I've been preparing myself for this moment."
He's had plenty of time to prepare considering rumors of a Melo trade swirled throughout last season, with the 10-time All-Star informing the club early in the summer he didn't want to return. It was a rough year for the Knicks, who dealt with conflict between Anthony and then-president Phil Jackson before he was canned, the forceful removal of legend Charles Oakley from a game and his subsequent arrest, and Derrick Rose's brief disappearance.
The team also struggled on the court, especially at the defensive end, sputtering to a 31-51 record as the Knicks missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Porzingis responded to the adversity by skipping his team exit interview, which almost got him traded.
He doesn't want to think about any of that and just wants to start anew as the undisputed franchise cornerstone.
"Honestly, I would love for this year to be a new start," he said. "All I'm looking for is a fresh start and not to talk about (the exit interview) anymore."
Porzingis is coming off a solid sophomore campaign in which he averaged 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, two blocks, and 1.5 assists. He spent much of the summer working out in his native Latvia, which he represented in EuroBasket, and returns to the Big Apple feeling much better.
"It was important that I disconnected from everything," he said. "I was working on my game and resting my mind. I kept working hard this summer to put myself in this position. I'm coming in with a fresh mind. I don't want to carry anything from the previous season."
(Photo courtesty: Action Images)
The former No. 4 pick praised Anthony for helping with his development and offered to car-sit for the veteran forward.
"Carmelo was a mentor to me," Porzingis said. "He was a big brother from day one. I texted him to tell him I appreciated that I was able to learn from him. Having him around was important for me. I respect him a lot. I also told him that if he doesn't bring his Rolls Royce with him, I'll take care of it."
While it's unclear whether Anthony will give Porzingis the keys to his car, it's clear the Knicks will be giving him theirs.