Just because Kristaps Porzingis skipped the Knicks' exit meeting, is frustrated with the drama currently surrounding the franchise, and loathes the triangle offense doesn't mean the big man wants to leave the team next season.
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Although it could be easily misconstrued that way.
“Of course,” Porzingis told The New York Post, when asked if he wants to be a Knick next year. “I love New York. I love New York.”
Porzingis will leave for Latvia on Friday (AEDT) without speaking to the Knicks front office, which is still without a definite explanation on why he skipped his scheduled exit meeting with team president Phil Jackson. Sources told the Post the 21-year-old star is upset with the way the franchise has been run, especially with Carmelo Anthony trade rumors floating through the organization.
“It’s not the right moment to comment on anything [about it],” Porzingis told the Post. “I don’t want to say anything.’’
Jackson has also said Porzingis is not ready to be the team's leader and the two are yet to find a defined role for the 7-3 Porzingis, who averaged 4.8 3-point attempts per game this season. Jackson would like to see him play in the post more often.
Expect the Knicks to dominate headlines with plenty of drama throughout the offseason while they piece together their roster. Porzingis is not going anywhere anytime soon, but the same can't be said for Anthony, or even point guard Derrick Rose.