With the New York Knicks trading Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Kristaps Porzingis era is officially underway. As the 22-year-old navigates through becoming the team's first option and leader, the Knicks coaching staff have a crucial decision to make.

Heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, more teams are embracing small ball lineups. As the Knicks already have four centers on the roster, Porzingis would rather play power forward than center according to Stefan Bondy of New York Daily News:

“I think it’s better for us,” Porzingis said Wednesday. “Me at the 4, especially if I’m playing against a non-shooting 4, I can do a lot. When I’m playing against the 5, I’m fighting with the big a lot of times and I’m wasting a lot of energy. Obviously, offensively I have an advantage at center, but I’m just more comfortable playing at the 4.”

Porzingis further explained his reasoning for wanting to play power forward:

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“Fours are usually smaller, and I can shoot over them easier,” Porzingis said. “If it’s a non-shooter at power forward, then I can be under the rim on defense and protecting the rim and that’s what I love.

Although Porzingis' best position is center in the long-term, the team's roster imbalance will likely keep him at power forward this upcoming season. As the Knicks already had Willy Hernangomez, Joakim Noah, and Kyle O'Quinn, they recently added Enes Kanter in the Anthony deal.

Heading into the new season, the Knicks are finally embracing a full rebuild and all eyes will be on the team's rising star.