Kristaps Porzingis Illness: Updates on Knicks Star's Status and Return

New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis came down with an illness and missed Tuesday's tilt against the Washington Wizards. However, he is ready to return. 

Continue for updates.

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Porzingis Active vs. Nets

Wednesday, Feb. 1

The Knicks announced Porzingis would be available to play Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. 

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Porzingis is the Centerpiece of Rebuilding Knicks

Porzingis, 21, has established himself as one of the most exciting young stars in all of basketball. During an impressive rookie season, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He's been even better in his sophomore campaign, posting 18.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per contest.

While Carmelo Anthony remains the franchise cornerstone and Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah give the team a veteran feel, the future of the organization is in the hands of the 7'3" Porzingis, and for good reason. His unique blend of size, skill and shooting makes him a threat from anywhere on the court and a matchup nightmare.

Porzingis' rise has presented the struggling Knicks with an interesting conundrum: Do they continue to take the win-now approach with veterans on the team—even if they aren't contenders when pitted against teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference—or do they blow up the roster and rebuild around Porzingis?

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report thinks they should choose the latter:

Regardless, the goal for the time being is keeping Porzingis healthy and on the court.