A lot of discussions have popped up on several basketball forums arguing whether it is time for Carmelo Anthony to pass the leadership torch to emerging star Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, is averaging 21 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this season, according to ESPN. The Latvian star also played an important role in the Knicks' last four winning games, which helped the team clinched a 0.500 win percentage.

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Anthony is signed to the Knicks until 2019, and with the inclusion of Derrick Rose, who is under contract until the end of the season into the roster, Porzingis' role in the offense is not fully established, according to First Take's Max Kellerman.

Despite showing signs of leadership and big potential on both ends of the floor, Porzingis is still a polarizing figure in the Knicks' lineup highlighted by boos he received from Knicks fans during his draft night.

According to the New York Daily News, Anthony is still a great player and an important figure in the Knicks' quest to make it to the playoffs. However, the report added that the team's offense performs much better when it is executed through Porzingis.

Regarding his current role in the Knicks gameplay, Porzingis said, "We're using me in the pick and pop situations and I can keep playing, swing the ball and that kind of stuff. So I like how much I'm involved now and how much were going through me and kind of playing through there."

TagsNBA, new york knicks, Kristaps Porziņģis, carmelo anthony, Knicks