New York Knicks: Should Porzingis Return At All In 2018?

Jan 26, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With New York Knicks’ superstar Kristaps Porzingis out of commission until at least the All-Star Break with a torn ACL, an interesting question must be entertained. He has begun rehabbing his knee and has been seen already in the gym, shooting around.  Porzingis even said that he ‘wants to attack’ his rehab and he’s doing just that. However, should he even return to the Mecca this upcoming season?

Why Porzingis is better off sitting out the entire 2018 season for the New York Knicks:

Let’s be real, the Knicks are not making the playoffs next season. Even if Porzingis didn’t get hurt, the Knicks stills were only projected to win 34 games last season. The main goal for the next campaign is to develop our young players. The young talent needs to get quality time so they can grow into their roles in the NBA – I’m talking about Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay, Kevin Knox and Damyean Dotson. It would be nice to make the playoffs, but this team needs to learn how to play with one another first and foremost.

Since the Knicks, most likely, won’t be in contention for the playoffs next season, what would be the point for Porzingis to return around or after the All-Star Break? To be honest, there really isn’t any. Yes, it would be good to have him get into NBA action again, but why risk re-injuring his knee if the season is a wash?

Porzingis is, currently, our only superstar and main attraction for the Knicks to lure possible free agents in the coming seasons. The Knicks are in no shape to risk re-injuring his knee. Porzingis is the main piece of the puzzle for the future and he needs to be healthy, especially if we want players to come join him.

Getting down to it, Porzingis needs to sit out for the entire upcoming season. This is probably something that Knicks fans do not want to hear, but it‘s for the best. Of course, free agents will want to know and see him back to full strength before they even think about signing with the Knicks. But, we have to think what’s best for the long-term. Letting him sit and allowing more then enough time to get back to 100% is what the organization should be concentrated on.