It's been a rather quick ascent for second-year forward Kristaps Porzingis, who's gone from Rookie of the Year runner-up to the potential second option in the New York Knicks‘ offense.

The 7-foot-3 Latvian international has been nothing short of fantastic in his sophomore season, with averages of 20.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 2.1 three-pointers made per contest.

But despite his well-rounded game and the offseason work he's put in towards honing his craft, the 21-year-old remains most thankful to Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.

“Without Melo, it would be much more difficult for me to get those 30 points, or 28,” Porzingis told Ian Begley of ESPN. “People don't realize that. But that's how it is. He draws a lot of attention, and he's the main focus for the other team. That opens up stuff for me. So without him, it would be much more difficult.”

Porzingis also gave praise to his new teammate, point guard Derrick Rose — after all, 60 percent of his two-point field goals are assisted.

“I'm happy to have (Anthony) and D-Rose and guys who are really aggressive driving to the basket, who draw so much attention for me to be able to get those wide-open looks and then attack,” he said. “It's good sometimes that we have that. Without them, it would be much more difficult.”

The big man has stuck up for Anthony the same way the Knicks star player stuck up for him last year in training camp where rumors of yet another New York draft flop surrounded him. Porzingis emphasized how important Anthony has been as a focal point of the offense.

“I need him, No. 1, to learn from him. And to win. We need him to win,” Porzingis said. “Without him it would be much more difficult. Him leaving would be tough but I'm not worried about that, I don't think it's going that way. He's been loyal. I think he loves New York.”

The Knicks are still going through the growing pains of having a team assembled from scratch, but seem to slowly be figuring it out after an important 104-94 win against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.