The New York Knicks have struck gold with Kristaps Porzingis, someone who brought in mostly questions instead of answers when he was drafted fourth overall by the ball club.
It wasn't a heartwarming welcome for the 7-foot-3-inch Latvian, many questioning the move by Phil Jackson and former coach Derek Fisher. While the boos and the questions grew stronger, Porzingis proved everyone sheepishly wrong.
The Latvian turned out to be a stellar recruit which saw a lot leaving in shame. Although he may only be in his first year, the message is clear — the Knicks have a potential franchise star to build on, probably the first since Patrick Ewing's arrival.
The question now is on whether or not Porzingis can live up to the challenge. Better yet, where does such place Carmelo Anthony, the original star player who has spent more time in sick bay that on the hardwood?
While the two have played alongside at times, the injuries that the high scoring forward has had puts the Knicks in a pretty curious place. Would they be willing to wait on Melo or deal him off for someone who could compliment the reed-thin Porzingis?
The weeks have seen Anthony's name in trade rumors, although there is no indication that the Knicks have any intention of dealing the All-Star forward, at least not yet.
Could the story be the same by the end of the season?
The thing is Anthony can only be dealt if he wants to. A no-trade clause prevents the Knicks from moving the forward to other teams unless he is the one who asks for it.
So right now, everything depends on Anthony. He can take his sweet time off the court, although the next head coach could find a way to force Anthony to ask for a trade.
Right now, that is the real score for the Knicks. Even if they want to trade him, they cannot. That is the deal that they came up with so for now, that is what they have to live with.
