Knicks Hire David Fizdale as New Coach

This past Tuesday, the New York Knicks introduced their new Head Coach, David Fizdale. While this marks the Knicks’ fifth coaching change in the past four years, the hiring of Fizdale brings a sense of optimism to the future of this franchise. The two-time NBA Champion has an excellent reputation around the league as a “culture changer” and someone who will hold his players accountable.

David Fizdale during his tenure as head Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies (Via http://www.NJ.com)

Many teams demonstrated interest in Fizdale as he interviewed with Phoenix, Atlanta, Orlando and Charlotte prior to accepting the Knicks’ job. Fizdale noted he wants a “loud defense that sparks the offense”, which is something that the Knicks have lacked, as they ranked a meager 21st in the league in Defensive efficiency this season. The hiring of Fizdale also bodes well for the development of Knicks’ cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis. “The best way to describe him is he’s the future of the NBA,” Fizdale said of the Latvian big man. “Look around who’s playing right now. They all got guys super-long, super-athletic, super-skilled, super-tough-minded. He fits all of the qualities of a megastar and a guy who can really propel a franchise forward to high places.” The persona of Fizdale seems to fit perfectly with the Knicks as well. His infamous “Take that for data” rant of this past postseason embodies the New York Grit that has made the Knicks one of the NBA’s most historic franchises and meshes perfectly with the mentality that must be instilled in younger Knicks Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina.

The hiring of David Fizdale seems to be a great move for the Knicks moving forward, as the two-time NBA Champion is as respected an individual around the league as any other Head Coach and will have a significant positive impact on the culture of the Knicks’ franchise as well as the development of the team’s younger stars.