After Saturday’s 2 ¹/₂-hour practice, Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis could be seen huddling with team president Phil Jackson. Jackson has yet to comment publicly about Porzingis’ blistering start, but it is evident he realizes drafting the 7-foot-3 Latvian at No. 4 amid a strong backlash will become his Knicks legacy.
“He lets Coach [Derek] Fisher do all the work, but then he comes up to guys and tells little details about the offense, something maybe that all the other coaches didn’t see,’’ Porzingis said after practice in advance of the Knicks hosting Houston on Sunday. “Phil’s always there and he sees other things, and he’s very helpful for me. It’s the best place for me to be right now, alongside with him.”
The value of Porzingis never was felt more than in the Miami loss Friday, when he committed his fourth foul with 8:11 left in the third quarter and the Knicks down just one. He came out for the rest of the third period. When he returned with 9:05 left in the game, the Knicks were down nine.
“Very frustrating,’’ Porzingis said. “I just want to be on the floor and help the team. In some ways I let my team down. I got to be smarter with the fouls, especially a rookie where I don’t get more calls than a guy who’s been in the league longer. I got to play through it and not commit stupid fouls.’’
Carmelo Anthony sounded the alarm with the Knicks on a three-game losing streak that has put them under .500 at 8-9. As one of the easiest stretches of their schedule dawns, Anthony said the Knicks need to avoid a setback when they host the 6-10 Rockets.
After the Rockets, the Knicks host the Sixers (0-17) and Nets (3-12) and play the Bucks (6-10) in Milwaukee.
“This should be a must-win for us,’’ Anthony said of the Rockets game. “We can’t worry about [James Harden]. We got our own thing to worry about. I don’t know what’s missing but we got to figure it out.’’
Glens Falls product Jimmer Fredette is back with Westchester. Fredette, cut by New Orleans on Nov. 19, returned to the D-League on Saturday for practice and will make his Westchester debut Monday at home against Grand Rapids. Fredette was with Westchester in training camp after being the D-League draft’s second overall pick, but got signed by the Pelicans as an injury hardship exception. He played 13 minutes in four games. The Knicks have an open roster spot and need a long-range shooter with Sasha Vujacic struggling.