Kristaps Porzingis Reportedly Taking Extended Trip, Team 'Fuming' over Triangle

Kristaps Porzingis is reportedly ready to take a step back from the New York Knicks following a season full of controversy.A day after ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported Porzingis skipped his exit interview with Phil Jackson and members of the Knicks' front office, The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski cited sources Saturday who said "Porzingis is planning a long trip back to Latvia that may not include a return to New York until closer to the start of training camp."According to Begley, Porzingis grew frustrated over the "dysfunction and drama surrounding the organization."Wojnarowski confirmed as much and noted problems appear to extend beyond the 21-year-old franchise centerpiece. Citing league sources, Wojnarowski reported Knicks players are "privately fuming that they want no part of the organizations summer slate of triangle offense regimen at the teams suburban New York practice facility." Head coach Jeff Hornacek attempted to fuse components of the triangle into the Knicks' scheme during his first year at the helm, but the results weren't inspiring.By the time the regular season ended, the Knicks produced an18th-ranked104.7 points per 100 possessions that assisted on a22nd-ranked55.1 percent of their made baskets.Despite the inconsistencies, Jackson appears set in his ways. As one source told Wojnarowski: "To Phil, the culture is the triangle."That mindset doesn't appear to jibe with Porzingis' skill setwhich is predicated on more modern concepts that embrace pace and space within the natural flow of the offense.In fact, the disconnect can be illustrated by some of Jackson's comments from Friday, when he told reporters "he was happy to see KP at points stop shooting threes," according to Bleacher Report'sYaron Weitzman."I thought he took shots that were good shots," Jackson added, perWeitzman. "He had a game he didnt take a three, which I told him that was important."Now with both Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony disgruntled, Jackson is facing a critical few months of offseason decision-making as he attempts to stabilize the franchise and prevent drama from engulfing it further.Stats courtesy ofNBA.com.For more news, rumors and related stories about Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicksand the NBAcheck out the NBA and Knicksstreams on Bleacher Report's app.
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