Porzingis motivated by Jackson saying he's not ready to lead Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis is off to a historically strong start to the campaign and has one doubter in particular to thank.
At the end of last season, Phil Jackson, then the New York Knicks president, said he didn't think Porzingis was ready to become the face of the franchise and the club's primary offensive option.
"No, I don't think (he's ready). He's 21 years old. That's a big load for anybody to take on," the Zen Master said in April. "But he's shown that he's competitive."
Fresh off pouring in a career-high 40 points, Porzingis admitted Jackson's comments motivate him.
"Of course. The challenge is never too big for me," the 22-year-old said following Sunday's 108-101 win over the Indiana Pacers, as quoted by ESPN's Ian Begley.
"I always accept the challenge and that's why I knew coming into this season (if Carmelo Anthony) was not going to be here, then I'm going to have to be that guy and that's why I was just (spending) 24 hours in the gym. I was preparing for this, preparing myself physically, and I'm just happy that I'm capable of playing at this level right now."
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The 7-foot-3 Latvian has certainly risen to the occasion, emerging as the team's best player following Anthony's trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He recorded 272 points through the first nine contests of 2017-18 - the most ever by a Knick.
Related: What's behind Kristaps Porzingis' incredible start?
The versatile power forward ranks first in the league in usage percentage (35.5), second in points (30.2), third in blocks (2.2), and fifth in player efficiency rating (28.6). His efforts have helped the Knicks to a 5-4 record, which is tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference and far better than projected.
Jackson parted ways with the club in June after three down years in the Big Apple. Drafting Porzingis with the No. 4 pick in 2015 is regarded as the best (if not the only good) move he made as team president. The Hall of Fame coach attempted to trade the budding star, however, after he skipped his exit meeting due to his frustration with the team.
Related: 5 awful decisions that defined Phil Jackson's tenure with Knicks