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NBA Thanksgiving: What Every Team Has To Be Thankful For, Part 2

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 7, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) takes the court prior to action against the Miami Heat at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) takes the court prior to action against the Miami Heat at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) gestures after scoring during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Knicks: KP

It appears the New York Knicks are starting to click, but it’s not because Derrick Rose has recaptured MVP form, because Carmelo Anthony is going off or because Joakim Noah has returned to Defensive Player of the Year status. No, the real reason is the Knicks are now Kristaps Porzingis‘ team, and he’s thriving — especially when he’s playing at the 5.

Averaging 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game on .502/.390/.780 shooting splits, the Zinger has become New York’s most efficient option on offense at age 21. We’ve already seen him top 25 points four times this season, which is more impressive than it sounds since early on, the Knicks weren’t getting him the ball nearly enough.

Melo, Rose and Noah were meant to make the Knicks competitive sooner rather than later, but the future leader of this franchise is still Porzingis. The fact that he’s taking over those inevitable duties in his second season is a great sign.