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Knicked Up: Porzingis, ‘Melo and nobody else

By Matt Verderame

Nov 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks are 8-7 and showing the first signs of life since the days of Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Allan Houston and Charles Oakley. It has been a long time coming for the boys in Gotham, who finally are giving the folks of Madison Square Garden a reason to cheer.

Of course, the roster still has plenty to prove. There is the electrifying rookie of Kristaps Porzingis and the established superstar in Carmelo Anthony. Beyond that, there is hope for fellow rookie Jerian Grant, but also 11 other players who don’t belong on the court for any kind of a contending team. Yes, Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo are NBA-level players, but they are overpaid and underwhelming.

To this point in the young season, Lopez has played in all 15 games and is averaging eight points and six rebounds per game in just over 26 minutes. Lopez is also on a four-year deal worth more than $50 million. The investment has hardly been worth the production for a player who clearly looks like a reserve at best. Afflalo is just coming off injury, so his fate is yet to be determined. Still, his career suggests he is not making the Knicks much better than their current form.

On the bright side, team president and general manager Phil Jackson absolutely nailed the 2015 NBA Draft. Porzingis is the hands-down NBA Rookie of the Year through the first 20 percent of the season, averaging 13.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per contest.

The 20-year-old Latvian import has been absolutely rolling down the stretch, notching three double-doubles in the last four games, including one of the biggest performances of the campaign against the Houston Rockets. Porzingis brought down the house in an upset win on the road over Houston, going for 24 points and 14 rebounds with an incredible seven blocks.

Anthony has also been doing his part, perhaps invigorated by the fact that he has a real running mate for the first time in years. Anthony is averaging a team-high 22.5 points along with 7.3 rebounds per night. Anthony is the linchpin to this team despite the media attention mostly falling on the 7-foot-3 rookie.

However, the Knicks are not going to make much noise as we get later in the season without some help for the dynamic duo. Jackson should be looking to upgrade without hurting the long-term view of the team. If New York can pick up a few smaller pieces including a scoring big and a defensive guard, the Knicks might be able to surprise in the spring. If this team got to the second round of the NBA playoffs, that would be a massive win.

Right now, New York is rolling right behind Porzingis and Anthony. If it wants to ascend, those two need some help.

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