Geez, when it rains Knicks quotes, it pours Knicks quotes.
First, we heard from Carmelo Anthony for the first time in a while this morning. Now, in an article from NBA.com’s Shaun Powell, we have some new material from resident Knick Unicorn Kristaps Porzingis! KP is currently in Africa for the NBA Africa game (on his birthday! Happy Birthday buddy!) and decided to sit down and speak his mind.
First, let’s get to the good stuff:
“So far it’s been tough in New York, but my journey is only beginning and I hope to stay there my whole career, so as a city we can have some fun and win some games and do something big,” he said.
“For me, it’s now home.”
Kristaps is already a true New Yorker. He understands that sometimes things really suck in this city before they get better, and relishes the challenge. A real modern day Frank Sinatra. More from KP:
“We’re going to have a lot of new guys,” he said. “Every year is almost like a new year. There will be a lot of changes. I’m going into the season hoping we have a group of guys who want to work hard and win. That’s what’s important.”
So, there we have it. Porzingis has been in touch with the new regime and is encouraged. Very good stuff! But wait, there’s even more juicy nuggets here! Kristaps also has some nice things to say about the franchise's superstar/pariah, Carmelo Anthony:
“He’s an All-Star, an incredible player and I’ve learned so much from him,” Porzingis said. “There’s still so much for me to learn form (sic) him. I would love to have him around and keep playing alongside him. But it is what it is. It’s a business. If it ends, well ... I don’t know, it’s out of my hands. I’m really thankful for these couple of years I’ve been with him, just seeing how he works during the summer. It proves he wants to win and he wants to be great. I’m sure he’ll make the right decision for himself.”
So, perhaps holding off on a Carmelo trade for a better return is not just the organization’s way of doing better for itself, but also doing better in the eyes of Porzingis. Smart move!
I’d encourage you all to read the rest of the article, because it’s a very nice piece. But I can’t help but end on one more quote here:
“Look, I was so happy when I got drafted by New York. I was never worried about the big stage or anything like that. I’ve always enjoyed that. I can envision (a championship someday) and see it. But we’re still a long way from there. As we get better, if we can all see that goal at the end and work towards it, anything can happen.”
I. Fucking. Love. Kristaps. Please. Stay. Forever.