After getting hit with a sea of boos after being drafted in the first round, expectations are suddenly very high for Kristaps Porzingis. The New York Knicks drafted the power forward in the first round and while it was not the most popular pick at the time, it could be a season-saver for the franchise. Porzingis has been putting in the work this offseason which has hope high regarding his development as Carmelo Anthony is getting credit for his improvement.
Any ideas that Anthony was unhappy about the drafting of Porzingis can be put to rest as the two have reportedly been working out together ahead of training camp. According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Anthony and Porzingis have been getting together for one-on-one play in order to help the rookie's development before training camp. Porzingis credited the veteran for helping his improvement in the offseason and also learning how to carry himself in the NBA.
"We were playing one-on-one a lot, and I was just asking him about the moves, about as much as I could and know how he does that, how he does this so I can learn from him," Porzingis said, via ESPN.com. "It was good for me to see how he carries himself just being around him, he's never said no to one of my questions so I can keep asking and it's great for me to keep learning from him."
The work with Anthony could help Porzingis earn the starting job in 2015. The power forward is expected to battle with Derrick Williams who was signed in the offseason. The rookie is not focused on starting and simply hoping to be an impact player as soon as possible. The Knicks are hoping for the same thing as Phil Jackson views the rookie as building block for the future.
Jerian Grant is expected to be another one of those building blocks. The Knicks acquired the point guard in a draft trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Grant is coming in to compete with Langston Galloway and Jose Calderon for time on the court. Jackson has been highly complimentary of the rookie point guard. If he excels early, he could either for the release of Galloway who is not signed to a guaranteed contract or Calderon who has been the subject of trade talk this offseason.
"He knows the game and has a certain flair for it," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "He's quick, has 3-point range, knows how to pass, can break a defense down with his handle, knows how to get through screens and is comfortable getting people involved on offense."
