New York Knicks: Finding the real king(s) of New York

No one inside this New York Knicks locker room has ever questioned the identity of the real King(s) of New York. They know who they are.

It’s been a long time since the New York Knicks had any spunk, swag or grit. John Starks had it. Charles Oakley had it. And now, the modern Knicks have it. Enes Kanter and Frank Ntilikina may not be Starks and Oakley, but they are everything New York needs right now.

Kristaps Porzingis is the unquestioned star of this team and one of the best players in the NBA. However, vocal leadership doesn’t seem to be his comfort zone thus far in his career. KP leads with an All-NBA mix of talent, effort and basketball IQ. The Knicks have a vocal leader, but it’s not Porzingis.

Every successful NBA team has vocal leadership on the court. Draymond Green is the first name that comes to mind in reference to anything vocal in the NBA. As annoying as Draymond can be, there is no question his emotional leadership drives the Golden State Warriors.

Obviously, the New York Knicks are nowhere near the class of the Warriors. But they do have the fearless players, like Kanter and Ntilikina, needed to win in the NBA. In the past, the Knicks relied on one dominant player to be their king. Now, that kingship is spread out among multiple players and led by one charismatic Turk.

Who the Knicks become this year is directly tied to the heart of Enes Kanter. Once thought of as a possible trade pawn, Kanter has become indispensable and a catalyst for the Knicks’ resurgence.

The heart and soul of comeback wins, like against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, is both Kanter and Ntilikina.

From King to Kings

The time for bashing Carmelo Anthony is over and done. But the fact is, he was the King of New York and that’s exactly how he played basketball. Melo’s heart was in the right place, but he was simply incapable of leading a NBA team. His tenure in the Big Apple was a kingship of unmet expectations.

However, a new era is underway in New York and it began when Carmelo left town. While the Knicks should’ve gotten more in the Melo trade (i.e. a first round draft pick), they definitely got more than they expected. Enes Kanter not only took over the interior of Madison Square Garden, he embraced everything it means to be a New Yorker.

The Knicks’ new kingship is more of a Knights of the Round Table than a monarchy. Some Knights/Knicks are more talented than others, but they all fight together toward the goal of winning. Even the oft-doubted Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to impress and be exactly what Jeff Hornacek wants in a shooting guard.

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Going forward, these young Knicks must be careful to stay in the lane they paved for themselves. In the bright lights of New York, losing your way seems inevitable, so everyone involved with this team needs to be very careful.

Next: 2017-18 Week 5 NBA Power Rankings

While everyone inside Madison Square Garden should be thankful for Carmelo, they also must avoid repeating the mistakes of his reign. Yet, no one inside this New Yorks Knicks locker room questions the identity of the new kings of New York.