Fizdale sees success, even in those who left
The Knicks sold a broad idea of development last season but most of the players they pushed went elsewhere in the offseason. Emmanuel Mudiay was given the most time at point guard on the Knicks. He signed with the Jazz. Noah Vonleh averaged more than 25 minutes with the Knicks — he signed with the Timberwolves. Luke Kornet went to the Bulls. Mario Hezonja signed with the Trailblazers. Trey Burke? Sixers. Enes Kanter? Celtics.
David Fizdale views it as a win for the program. When asked if it’s frustrating too see Mudiay and Vonleh bolt in free agency, in particular, Fizdale said, “No. That’s our league.”
“And they wanted to be back. I stay in touch with those guys. I texted with most of them right before the season. I’m really happy for them,” the coach added. “That makes me feel good the fact that they all ended up getting contracts. It let me know that I held up my end of the bargain for a standpoint of developing them. It just worked out there were some other higher-ticket guys out there that we could go get and we made those moves.”
The “higher-ticket guys” the Knicks signed included Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Marcus Morris, Wayne Ellington, Taj Gibson and
Elfrid Payton.
NEW TWIST IN PG BATTLE
As one point guard returns, another suffers a setback. Dennis Smith Jr. is expected to make his preseason debut Wednesday against the Hawks after missing two games with a strained back. He practiced fully Monday while Frank Ntilikina was a spectator because of a sore groin. The injuries have muddied an already complex battle for playing time at the NBA’s premier position. Payton started the first two games, but the organization should have more invested in Smith and Ntilikina, both lottery picks in the 2017 draft. Coach David Fizdale seemed unconcerned by Ntilikina’s groin, even though a similar injury kept the Frenchman out for an extended period last season.
“I don’t know exactly what it is. I know it’s his groin,” Fizdale said. “Again, I think we’re still in that realm of we would rather err on the side of caution than try to push something when a guy feels something, especially in the preseason. We’ll re-evaluate him (before today’s practice) and see where he’s at.”
The Knicks have until Halloween to pick up Ntilikina’s $6.2 million option for the 2020-21 season and the front office said it’s not something it’s willing to discuss publicly. On the surface, it’s a no-brainer to pick up the option, but Ntilikina was Phil Jackson’s draft choice and has had a short leash with both Fizdale and former coach Jeff Hornacek.
YANG WON’T PARDON KNICKS
Presidential candidate Andrew Yang has switched NBA parties.
Yang, a longtime Knicks fan from New York, said he is now preferential to the Nets and explained why in an interview with Forbes.
“Better than the Knicks, man,” Yang said. “The (Knicks) ownership is just too … sh—-y.”
Yang can scratch himself off the list of comped tickets at MSG. The 44-year-old said he plans on attending a Nets game soon and has contacted guard Spencer Dinwiddie through social media.