Knicks Rookie Kristaps Porzingis does not want to lose Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks Rookie Kristaps Porzingis does not want to lose veteran Carmelo Anthony.

When asked if he was worried that the team's recent struggles would influence Anthony's future in New York, Porzingis stated, "Obviously I wouldn't want to lose him. He is who he is on our team. He's very special. Ande we need him to big things in the future, especially for me. I love playing alongside him, so that would obviously not be something I want."

Porzingis, the Knicks' first round 2015 draft pick, has given fans a glimmer of hope that the team can regroup in the upcoming years. Although Porzingis definitely knows his way around the court, he has credited Anthony a lot for being a mentor to him. Porzingis is averaging 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds.

"Carmelo is doing the right thing. He is being a mentor to a young guy," Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis said about Carmelo and Porzingis' relationship. "And a lot of it is just Carmelo challenging him to be aggressive and confident out there on the floor. ...Melo has been great with him in terms of encouraging him to grow as a ballplayer to blossom, to trust himself and be confident in what he does."

Anthony is only in the second year of his five-year contract, which has a no trade clause. Although Anthony has stated that he plans on staying in New York, his desire to win a championship could lead to a team change sooner rather than later, especially if he does not believe that he and the Knicks can get there. Despite the possibility of Carmelo leaving, Porzingis has nothing but good things to say about the All-Star.

"He's very professional. He knows what he's doing. Obviously, we all know he's frustrated, and we're frustrated, but he's not showing it," Porzingis said. "Nobody's showing it. We're just staying together, staying strong, working hard. He's doing a great job of showing how everybody needs to be. ... Obviously, deep inside, you're frustrated, but he's not showing that so I think he's been a great leader."

The Knicks have been on a losing streak, dropping 13 of their past 15 games. They are expected to miss the playoffs again.