What's good for Kristaps Porzingis is good for Carmelo Anthony, and good for Knicks
Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks hugs teammate Kristaps Porzingis #6 after defeating the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015. Credit: Jim McIsaac
As Kristaps Porzingis was enjoying the best game of his young NBA career, Carmelo Anthony seemed more excited than the rookie, which could be a good sign for the Knicks.
If they are going to be a contender someday soon, the current face of the franchise and the not-so-distant-future face of it will have to share the spotlight and the basketball.
Some question whether Anthony is willing to do that. But he was one of Porzingis' biggest supporters during and after his 29-point, 11-rebound performance in Tuesday's 102-94 win over the Hornets that led to several loud chants of "POR-ZING-IS'' inside the Garden.
Anthony couldn't find his shot but he kept finding his teammates, especially Porzingis. Three of his five assists were to the 7-3 Latvian, who Anthony high-fived or hugged after several big buckets.
"I want him personally to succeed,'' Anthony said. "I know what that feels like to be against all odds. I want him to succeed. He puts in the work to be put in this position to thrive. It's paying off for him. He's still young, but it's paying off for him.''
There are several reasons Anthony feels this way, and it goes against the narrative that he's selfish.
"For one, it's good for the team,'' Anthony said. "Two, it's good for me. I would have another guy out there with me. For three, for him. His confidence, his mentality, his mental [toughness], he gains that strength here. It's tough playing here in New York, especially for a guy who never did it, a guy who knows nothing about New York. So I want him to succeed.''
It is interesting that Porzingis had this kind of game and Anthony reacted the way he did with Jeremy Lin in the building. Speculation persists that Anthony wasn't happy with the attention the former Knick received or the perception that he would have to change his game to fit Lin.
Anthony has wanted help for a long time, and the 20-year-old Porzingis has shown he can provide some. The Knicks' rebuilding effort could take a far shorter time if Porzingis continues to improve as quickly as he has, and Anthony could face less defensive pressure nightly.
The Knicks are 6-6 and Porzingis has just scratched the surface of what he can become. But Anthony isn't only showing trust and belief in Porzingis. He is doing that for all of his teammates.
"I have to,'' Anthony said. "I have to believe.''
Derek Fisher inserted Anthony for the final play of the third quarter and he had an open look at a three-pointer. Instead of shooting, Anthony swung it to Langston Galloway, who knocked it down at the buzzer.
The Knicks' leader in assists per game thus far is Anthony, at 3.8.
"Some of the extra passes that he made to get other guys opportunities was really energizing to our team,'' Fisher said. "Those are things that he's capable of doing. I think he's a more willing passer than what people think.''
Porzingis added, "Melo, as always, is making it easy for everyone. He's a great scorer, but whenever he gets double-teamed he passes the ball and he finds open guys.''
It's worked well for Porzingis. He's creating some opportunities by grabbing three offensive rebounds per game. But he's also getting open shots because of Anthony's presence and passing. Porzingis is second on the Knicks in scoring (12.8 points) and leads in rebounding (8.6).
As Porzingis was being interviewed after Tuesday's game, teammate Lance Thomas walked into the locker room and said, "That boy good.'' Anthony said he's not surprised.
"I knew he was ready,'' Anthony said. "I knew what to expect coming in. It's still a learning process for him. But tonight was a big game, a big way to step up and take control of the game offensively, knock down shots, be aggressive out there. I'm pretty sure it'll be the first of many that you all see.''
It seems as if Anthony hopes that's the case.
Notes & quotes: The NBA fined Charlotte forward Marvin Williams $15,000 for making excessive contact with his elbow to the head of Lou Amundson in the fourth quarter Tuesday. Amundson suffered a lacerated scalp that did not require stitches. The Knicks said he doesn't have a concussion.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
