
Kristaps Porzingis is feeling the same frustration that most New York Knicks fans have been feeling for months, if not years. As it stands right now, the New York Knicks seem lost without a plan in mind. Early on Friday, just two days after the Knicks season came to another disappointing end, Knicks president Phil Jackson openly made a declaration that Carmelo Anthony’s time with the team is all but over. Just a few hours later, it was revealed that Kristaps Porzingis fired back at the team president.
Porzingis, the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, has been a part of 101 losses in his two NBA seasons. No playoffs, winning seasons or even crowing moments to show for it. Unless you count KP’s Skills Challenge win during the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend. The Knicks are ready to move on from Carmelo Anthony, someone the Latvian big man has grown close to in his short NBA career.
With no current sense of direction in place, veterans all over the roster and not much money to spend, you can’t blame Porzingis for being openly frustrated with the current state of the team.
Following from Ian Begley of ESPN.
Kristaps Porzingis skipped exit meetings with New York Knicks management due to frustration over what he perceives as the dysfunction and drama surrounding the organization, team sources told ESPN.com.
Porzingis is frustrated with the lack of direction with the Knicks, which is headed by team president Phil Jackson.
Porzingis is often regarded as the lone bright spot in Phil Jackson’s tenure as Knicks president. He’s made some big name signings but for the most part, they’ve failed to produce anything of substance. Porzingis himself has seen his play be very streaky, ranging from possible historic levels to disappointing struggles on top of random injuries.
Bottomline is, you can’t blame Porzingis for being upset. Especially after the team president openly said their star probably won’t be with the team anymore and their young star is ‘not ready’ to lead the team.
Phil Jackson said at 21 Porzingis isn't ready to be the face of the franchise yet.
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) April 14, 2017