HERE’S OUR QUIZ FOR KNICKS’ FIZ:
Here are 8 questions we want answered by Knicks’ new head man today
The word on David Fizdale is that he’s a big “culture” guy and, in pursuit of that culture, he’s not afraid to ruffle feathers or institute complete overhauls. There were subtle changes in Memphis like ordering a repaint of the facility to brighter colors, and then there were louder alterations to the style and philosophies of the Grizzlies.
It didn’t sit well with some — most notably Marc Gasol — but it was lauded by many others.
Among the reasons to criticize Jeff Hornacek was that the former Knicks coach was never a dominant personality. In Phoenix, he allowed management to fire his assistant coaches. In New York, Hornacek bent to the demands of Phil Jackson’s triangle and basically treaded water after Jackson was fired.
Fizdale — who will throw out the first pitch before Tuesday’s Yankees-Red Sox game — is not going to tread
water. With an understanding that change is on the way — BIG change — Fizdale’s introductory press conference at MSG Tuesday should provide insight on this new direction of the Knicks. There are important questions for both the coach and the two men who hired him, Scott Perry and Steve Mills. Here are 8:
1. WHY WAS IT A DISASTER WITH MARC GASOL AND WHAT WAS LEARNED FROM THE EXPERIENCE?
It’s no secret that a strained relationship with Gasol (they were barely on speaking terms) led to Fizdale’s departure in Memphis. Fizdale glossed over the reasons in a subsequent paid speaking appearance on ESPN, but now that he’s back to coaching — specifically coaching another European big man, Kristaps Porzingis — the 43-yearold should want to let everybody know why it won’t happen again. Fizdale is reportedly traveling to visit Porzingis in Latvia, which is a great first step. However, Fizdale also went to Spain to visit Gasol. 2. SPEAKING OF KRISTAPS, IS IT POSSIBLE HE WON’T BE BACK AT ALL NEXT SEASON?
James Dolan threw it out there in an interview but neither Mills nor Perry have entertained that drastic timeline. The Knicks want to sell themselves as a destination in 2019 free agency, but that won’t be easy if Porzingis hasn’t been on the court for 18 months. To make matters more complicated, the Latvian is eligible for a huge contract extension this offseason. Also regarding Porzingis: does Fizdale have any designs of converting him into a center, like when he was an assistant in Miami and Chris Bosh transitioned to that position? 3. WHY FIZDALE OVER THE OTHER CANDIDATES? If you’re looking for the most qualified for a rebuild, it’d probably have been Mike Budenholzer. If you’re looking for the strongest connection to Steve Mills, it definitely would’ve been David Blatt. The strongest connection to the fanbase? Mark Jackson. So what was it that made Fizdale, who was fired less than two seasons into his only NBA head coaching job, the No. 1 choice? 4. ARE WE REALLY GOING DOWN THE LEBRON ROAD? We know the Knicks can’t comment about LeBron in the context of free agency because that’s tampering. But there are ways to confirm or deny they’ll get caught up in a chase because of Fizdale’s strong relationship with the greatest player on the planet. Let’s just say it wouldn’t be smart to put all the eggs in the basket of a pipe dream. It’s exactly what this front office has stated it will avoid in its “slow and steady” approach. 5. WHAT WILL BE THE STYLE OF PLAY AND PHILOSOPHY TOWARD PLAYER DEVELOPMENT?
Fizdale preaches defensive accountability and pace. He encourages big men — whether it’s Gasol or Bosh — to shoot from long range. We can’t imagine much changing. Regarding player development, Fizdale is said to appreciate synergy — meaning the organization’s G-League team and NBA team are in lockstep. 6. WHO WILL BE THE ASSISTANTS?
Indications are that Keith Smart and Nick Van Exel will follow Fizdale from Memphis to New York. Bob Bender, another assistant under Fizdale in Memphis, may also join the Knicks staff. The Knicks still have under contract Jerry Sichting, Corey Gaines, Howard Eisley and Dave Bliss but most, if not all, won’t be retained. 7. WHAT’S THE PLAN FOR FRANK NTILIKINA AND THE POINT GUARD POSITION IN GENERAL?
By the end of last season, the Knicks decided Ntilikina couldn’t get past defenders with his dribble and therefore was more of an offguard. It’s why Trey Burke and Emmanuel Mudiay were acquired and featured prominently. Of course, a different coach could bring a different view on Ntilikina’s role, which would alter the way the Knicks approach the draft and free agency. 8. WILL JOAKIM NOAH COME BACK?
Noah was banished after a heated exchange with Hornacek, who is now banished permanently, so it’s not unreasonable to ask if the turnover has opened the door for a return. Another option would be to waive Noah via the stretch exception. If the Knicks wait until Sept. 1 to waive Noah, they save significant cap space.