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Knicks' Fisher says Porzingis has to 'earn the right' to start

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher isn't interested in giving rookie Kristaps Porzingis any handouts.

Porzingis is in consideration for the starting job at power forward, but Fisher said that the 20-year-old Latvian needs to earn the spot.

"We have to decide what we want to do at the forward positions," Fisher told Marc Berman of the New York Post.

"Having versatility is a good thing. It’s too early in (Porzingis's) career to say what he can be. We drafted him No. 4. It’s a consideration. He has to earn the right to be a guy we can trust and start games. We can’t give a stamp of approval yet."

The Knicks have a plethora of options to start alongside newly-signed center Robin Lopez. Carmelo Anthony or Derrick Williams could log time as a small-ball four, or the Knicks could start a more traditional option in either Kyle O'Quinn, or the 7-foot-2 Porzingis.

Out of the Knicks' four options, Porzingis definitely carries the most question marks. However, starting him early could also pay tremendous dividends, as Porzingis carries tremendous potential as a skilled inside-out scoring threat.

For his part, Porzingis says he's ready.

"I feel confident I’ll be able to play at this level. I think it will take a little time, but I belong here," he said.

Regardless of which player earns the job, the Knicks figure to improve upon last season's miserable 17-win showing. Porzingis, Williams, O'Quinn, Lopez, and a fully healthy Anthony, should do wonders for the hopes of long-suffering Knicks fans.

Read more about Porzingis in our scouting report.

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