The rise of New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis has been astronomical and the young star has been backing it up with his stellar play.
So far on the season, Kristaps is averaging 13.2 points per game with 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and he has a 19.50 PER. And of all the rookies with at least 200 minutes played this season, only Karl Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis are in the top five in both offensive and defensive rating. Not to mention, his putback dunks have been a thing of beauty.
Fresh off a 24 point, 14 rebound and seven block performance against the Houston Rockets, Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has seen enough to warrant a bright future for Porzingis.
Following from Marc Berman of the New York Post.
In the wake of another masterpiece by Porzingis on Saturday in Houston that included an otherworldly fourth quarter, the prospect of Anthony and the 7-foot-3 Latvian becoming a long-term star tandem is happening sooner rather than later.
Anthony, who has four years left on his contract, recently told confidants about Porzingis: “He’s gonna lead this organization long after I’m retired. Hopefully we can hoist one or two [championship trophies] before that happens.’’
Instead of jealousy over Porzingis’ sudden fame, Anthony is relishing it, becoming “a big brother’’ as promised in training camp. Anthony is almost always looking for the rookie-of-the-year candidate. And he wants no credit for the kid’s stunning start.
“We’re just building it,’’ Anthony said of their relationship. “I’m here to help him and use my experience and help him get his feet wet, and he’s doing a pretty good job. I don’t want any credit for that. He’s doing a good job on his own. Learning the game and getting a feel for the game. You can see each game he’s getting better.’’
