The return of New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis will be the fuel and fire the team needs to begin taking the developmental steps towards success. The primary question is: Does Kristaps want to stay in the Big Apple while the youngsters on the team gain experience and learn their roles as an NBA players?
The general idea is that Porzingis will play a veteran role, despite only going into his sophomore season, and help teach leadership and quality traits to players like Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson. While the big man continues to develop his own game, there’s no doubt he will impart his knowledge and skill on the rookies.
How far along is Porzingis in regard to his return for the Knicks?
The Knicks’ cornerstone power forward is still rehabbing his torn ACL and will likely miss a big chunk of the upcoming season. Getting him back to his previous form will take time, and coach Davis Fizdale should give all the time he needs to get back to 100%. In fact, him being off the court will give the rookies more time to improve and gain confidence for the return of the unicorn.
The Knicks have always been the type of franchise to sign star players in hopes they would change the narrative of the ailing club. This method has failed over and over again, but with a new youth agenda and exciting young prospects in Knox and Robinson, the organization seems to be on the up-and-up.
Kristaps will only help in their hunt for a championship. The biggest concern will be health and depth. The Knicks needs to establish a solid roster beyond just their starters, as injuries are a given in modern day sports. Luckily, they are breading the next generation of stars right in front of our eyes, and their youth should be able to side-step serious injuries for the time being.