With free agency just about wrapped up for the New York Knicks, the team must now begin to determine the starting lineup as roster battles will headline training camp for the team in 2015. With every position outside of small forward with Carmelo Anthony and center with Robin Lopez up for grabs, players must put in the work to get named in New York.
Kristaps Porzingis is doing everything to get ready for his chance at a starting role in 2015. The rookie might have been met with boos when he was first drafted to the franchise, but he has done everything to turn those into cheers. After a strong performance in summer league play, Porzingis is not taking any rest. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Porzingis is putting in a lot of work this offseason to get bigger and stronger in order to sharpen his game heading into training camp.
"I'm in between happy and my normal calm,'' Porzingis said, via The Post. "I'm not thinking: 'I did good in summer league - now I'm going to do good in the NBA.' Our training camp will start later and I have to prove myself once again, play as hard as I can and earn my minutes. That was just summer league - a few games to see how I compare to other rookies and get a taste of American basketball.''
Porzingis will battle Derrick Williams to start who was acquired in the offseason on a two-year deal. According to Carmelo Anthony via ESPN, Porzingis was a steal for the Knicks. If he likes what he sees in the rookie, Porzingis could end up being a starter. According to Phil Jackson in an interview with ESPN, Anthony is Michael Jordan for the Knicks and his opinion carries weight. Arron Afflalo confirmed that by saying the Knicks showed interest in him following an endorsement from Anthony.
Several free agents remain on the market who would like an endorsement from the Knicks' star. New York has shown interest in Carlos Boozer, JaVale McGee and Norris Cole, but has yet to make a signing. Contract demands are likely the deciding factor as the Knicks are cash strapped at this point in the offseason. Despite lingering doubt in players like Langston Galloway and Kelly O'Quinn, the Knicks simply cannot afford to add other names to the roster. Instead, they will place their hope in Porzingis or even Jerian Grant to step up and be productive this season.
