Kristaps Porzingis is now the unquestioned leader of the New York Knicks. The Latvian big man is now the go-to guy on offense, the anchor on defense, and is leading the team in points & blocks and is playing a career high in minutes. Naturally, that type of burden takes its toll on the third year player. In an interview with The New York Post’s Marc Berman, Porzingis admitted to being tired, saying:
I’m tired, I’m tired, I’m so tired right now. I have one day to rest my legs and get back and play better and have more energy and try to bring the team’s energy up. We’re in a tough stretch. The mental part doesn’t help at all. When it’s mentally tough, you don’t have it in you.
What the Knicks are demanding of Porzingis is a lot. But, that is what comes with the territory of being the face of a franchise and the team leader. But, the team should be smart about how they play him and make sure he is optimal for all games. Now more than ever franchises need to continue to invest in players rest and recovery programs to ensure they are getting the most from each player.
KP has the right attitude though, he knows he has to bring the energy and his teammates need to feed off him if they are to make the playoffs. This stretch is tough with teammate Tim Hardaway Jr out, but as KP knows nothing worth achieving is easy.