The New York Knicks have resolved to make the most of the remainder of the season by playing their young pieces through the last 23 games after the All-Star break. With only 21 left coming into Monday's showdown at The Garden against the defending champion Golden State Warriors, coach Steve Kerr noted just how important the absence of Kristaps Porzingis has been for this team.

“He's the future of the Knicks,” Kerr said. “Obviously when anybody gets hurt, especially marquee guys, who people came out to see. He's a brilliant talent, a great player, we all wish him well.”

“I personally want the Knicks to do well. The better the Knicks are, the better the NBA is.”

Porzingis suffered a torn left ACL after dunking past Giannis Antetokounmpo on Feb. 6, landing awkwardly and clutching his left knee in pain after scoring the bucket.

The unicorn was averaging a career-high 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.4 blocks per game before suffering the injury, which could set him out for as long as 10 months, according to earlier reports.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Spurs forward Carter Bryant and guard Dylan Harper
Spurs’ Carter Bryant makes bold Rookie of the Year predictionHector Ledesma ·
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives past Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half at Madison Square Garden.
How Kasparas Jakucionis can contribute for the Heat right awayZachary Weinberger ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg reveals his favorite WNBA player’s gameAbdullah Imran ·
Former Howard University and Temple University star Steve Settle III signs an Exhibit 10 deal with the Miami Heat.
Miami Heat sign former Howard University star to contractRandall Barnes ·
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives the ball against Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier (2) during the first half at State Farm Center.
Kasparas Jakucionis’ ‘excited’ outlook on improving key traits with HeatZachary Weinberger ·

“Hopefully he gets back soon, moves past this and continues to have a great career,” said forward Kevin Durant, who would draw the defensive matchup against the longer Porzingis, if he was taking part in the game.

Kristaps Porzingis
Abbie Parr/Getty Images

The Knicks have now lost nine of their last 10 games, despite shaking off an eight-game skid against the Orlando Magic coming off the break.

“If you don’t have talented players (and) if you don’t have healthy players, it’s hard to win,” added Kerr.

Jeff Hornacek has been intent in playing his young assets for the remainder of the season, showcasing the likes of recently-acquired Emmanuel Mudiay, rookie Frank Ntilikina, and Trey Burke.