It’s nearing five years since the New York Knicks last made it to the postseason. But through the fine play of young star Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks seem to have a good shot at making it in this season.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, making the playoffs for the first time in his career is indeed Porzingis’ main goal over tanking games and rebuilding.

“I don’t believe in it either,’’ Porzingis told The Post regarding tanking. “Every season you have to go with the expectations of making the playoffs. That’s the way to get better. If you do make the playoffs, that experience, you can’t change for nothing. Every player should as soon as you start you career. The sooner you get that, the more you’re prepared for the future. I’m really looking forward to making the playoffs.’

It seems as if general manager Steve Perry and head coach Jeff Hornacek are on the same page with their star player in terms of trying to win now. Whether that's because they really do want to win or because it's the best way to keep Porzingis is unclear.

Unless the likes of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Frank Ntilikina emerge as legitimate stars, being just good enough to make the playoffs every year over accumulating more assets isn't the ideal way to build a championship contender. But if that's what it takes to see Porzingis stick around, then the Knicks will likely prioritize that right now and worry about a championship later.