New York Knicks: 5 goals for Kristaps Porzingis in 2017-18

3. Put the distractions and excuses to rest

The New York Knicks have had nothing but distractions over the past several years but especially from just the past two seasons up until Phil Jackson’s departure this summer. Now the Knicks have a relatively clean slate and now there are no excuses or reasons to pass the buck on any shortcomings in the future.

Every player on the Knicks roster will be out to prove their future and long-term value this season. This goes for Kristaps Porzingis as well, who needs to put the past behind him and just focus on basketball moving forward.

Despite some recent negative headlines regarding Porzingis and Jeff Hornacek, unneccessary negative headlines now need to be avoided as there are more important matters to tend to.

This also includes Porzingis to remain hungry to develop into the All-Star caliber player he is, as well as making sure he can remain healthy as possible. Last year a nagging Achilles Injury had Porzingis absent much more than desired, only playing appearing in 66 of 82 games last season.

This year, Kristaps Porzingis needs to find his way to an 80-game season to prove he can be durable for not just the regular season, but for a handful of hopeful playoff runs by the time the Knicks get their act together.

Kristaps Porzingis is essentially now playing for a serious payday after the next two seasons, and will need to provide positive results very soon.