YOUTH BE TOLD
Fizdale defends 'kids' after harsh criticism
This wasn’t a soft response — from the Knicks coach or from their most recent first-round pick.
Responding to criticism in Friday’s Post from anonymous rival scouts, NBA personnel and coaches regarding Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina’s struggles, David Fizdale fired back, reminding reporters the two players are 19 and 20 years old, and deserve more time before being labeled “soft” or ripped for their respective shortcomings.
“No, [I didn’t see the story], but I think I’ve got a 19-year-old and a 20year-old trying to figure out the NBA, the league that’s full of the absolute best players in the world, the best coaches in the world, doing it in the absolute toughest market in America. Give them a break,” he said following practice. “These guys are learning on the fly. Whoever’s criticizing them, let me know how many people can become great at 19 and 20 while they’re being punched in the face and they’re learning it all at the same time. I don’t hear those critics.”
Knox, the 19-year-old ninth-overall pick in last June’s draft, was taken to task for not moving the ball nearly enough, settling for too many jump shots and not playing hard on a consistent basis. After shining in the Las Vegas Summer League, the one-anddone former Kentucky star is averaging just 7.5 points per game while shooting a ghastly 32.5 percent from the field, though he has appeared in just 16 games after missing seven games due to an ankle injury.
“Criticism is going to happen throughout everyone’s year,” Knox said. “You got superstars in the league who still get criticized their first few games and they do really well in the league.”
The eighth player taken in the 2017 draft, Ntilikina was hammered for his continued offensive shortcomings and lack of point-guard skills. Known more for his defense, the Frenchman has been held to single-digit scoring his past 11 games, is coming off consecutive scoreless performances while going 0-for-8 from the field and was replaced in the starting lineup by Emmanuel Mudiay nine games ago.
“They’re both going up and down with confidence,” Fizdale said. “But that’s to be expected with some of these guys. That’s how this league is. It doesn’t let you celebrate. Until you really develop a consistent game and understanding, you’re going to go through those struggles. That’s the stage they’re in right now, is trying develop who they are and at the same time they’re playing against top-notch players and having to deal with that as well.”
Ntilikina, who is averaging just 5.9 points on 33.3 percent shooting, wasn’t made available to reporters Friday, but Knox was and he didn’t hide from his struggles, or the criticism he has faced so early in his NBA career. He has heard similar things from his parents and the Knicks’ coaching staff about not attacking enough or playing with the needed intensity.
“I’m going to keep growing every single day and keep learning from mistakes so I can make them into my strengths,” he said.
Knox pointed to Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, against whom he will play Saturday at the Garden. Antetokounmpo averaged just 6.8 points on 41.4 percent shooting as a rookie, but he didn’t let it affect his work ethic or determination. Knox is trying to emulate him in that way.
“That’s somebody I really look up to,” Knox said.
Fizdale has been encouraged at how the two have handled these slumps. Knox is attempting to attack the basket more and up his effort level, while figuring out the balance between when to shoot and when to drive. Ntilikina told reporters the other day he has to look for his shot more and not fade into the background on offense, a sign of growth in Fizdale’s eyes.
“My kids come in here and bust their hump every day,” Fizdale said. “Our organization, we love our kids. We put our arms around them. We’re in here just trying to get them better every single day.”