It was widely expected that this would be a rough season in New York, a prediction that has come to fruition so far as the Knicks sit at 10-40, the worst record in the NBA. Between the hope that this year would be used to evaluate young talent and the ACL injury that has kept star big man Kristaps Porzingis sidelined since last year, the team has its eyes on the future.
However, on Thursday, that long-term plan had to briefly be paused to handle a pressing immediate issue: Porzingis is not particularly happy. In a report by Zach Lowe, Ramona Shelburne, and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Porzingis met with the Knicks’ brass to voice some concerns he has about the team’s future.
Reporting with @ZachLowe and @RamonaShelburne: In meeting with management today, Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis expressed his concern with the losing, franchise direction and an uncertainty that a culture is developing that will enable sustainable organizational success.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
It’s the kind of concerns you’d expect an injured superstar who has to sit and watch as his team is at the bottom of the standings would have. If there is good news for New York, though, it’s that Porzingis seems open to sticking around in the city … if, of course, the team’s plan makes sense.
Porzingis wants to play for a winner in New York, but is searching for clarity on his future role with the team and Knicks direction. Porzingis — out with an ACL injury — can be a restricted free agent this summer. https://t.co/JtZzQ02FCI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
The thing that makes all of this fascinating is that it comes on the heels of Pelicans star Anthony Davis requesting a trade, which has led to speculation that the Knicks might try to position themselves to make a play for the All-NBA big man. Add in that Porzingis is a restricted free agent this summer and there’s a ton of uncertainty surrounding the Knicks this summer. There may not be a more boom-or-bust team in the league this offseason, and as this meeting shows, Porzingis wants to be reassured that they’re on track to turn things around soon.
