Carmelo to be 'big brother' to Knicks' Porzingis
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Carmelo Anthony said Monday that he plans to play a “big brother” role for New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis this season — further dispelling the notion that he was upset about the team drafting the 20-year-old European.
“I kind of feel bad for him because there’s so much pressure on him at this point and this guy hasn’t played not even one minute in the NBA,” Anthony said during the Knicks’ media day Monday. “I’m going to try to be a big brother to him and kind of take the pressure off of him a little bit.
“It’s something that he never experienced before … so this is new to him. To be a newcomer to this game, to this league, in New York, that’s tough. I don’t know if he knows what he’s about to get himself into, so I kind of have to be that wall for him.”
Anthony again denied that he had expressed displeasure about Phil Jackson’s decision to draft Porzingis shortly after the NBA draft.
“We got him at No. 4. So what I think at this point is a little bit irrelevant. I’ve showed everybody that I’ve supported that pick,” Anthony said. “I’ve showed everybody that I’ve supported Porzingis. As long as me and KP know our relationship, that’s all that really matters. It doesn’t matter what somebody else might speculate out there.”
Jackson’s decision to draft Porzingis led to speculation that Anthony, 31, would ask to be traded to a franchise that’s closer to winning an NBA title. Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract.
“I’m just there to be that sounding board and that guy to let him know what’s here to come,” Anthony said.
However, on Monday, the 31-year-old said he’s optimistic about the season, intimating that he and Jackson are on the same page and adding that he’s honored to be the centerpiece of Jackson’s rebuilding attempt.
“I think Phil still believes in me,” said Anthony, the only player left from the roster that Jackson inherited. “And that goes without even being said because I’m still here. For him to start this process with me, being the centerpiece of this, I respect that and I don’t want to let him down because I know that him putting me at the centerpiece of this was really big.
“I know what we’re about to start, I know what we’re about to create and I’m excited about that.”
Anthony, entering his 13th season in the league, underwent major knee surgery on his left knee in February. He said Monday that he’s tested the surgically repaired knee in several scenarios and doesn’t feel any restrictions heading into training camp.
“My window is open, I don’t think it’s closing,” Anthony said of his chances to win a title. “For the most part, coming into this year, we get a chance to write our own destiny this year. … I think guys are excited about that.”
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