Fansided

6 steps David Fizdale can take to revitalize the New York Knicks

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

3. Teach Tim Hardaway Jr. to defend

Tim Hardaway Jr.’s contract means he’s going to be a Knick for a long time. David Fizdale has to spend a lot of time trying to develop his game. He happens to be the team’s only legitimate option to become an above-average wing defender.

A lot has been written about Hardaway Jr.’s value on the offensive end, and he performed reasonably well on that end last year. He certainly has room to become more efficient and to grab a larger load of the offense, but that shouldn’t be his offseason focus.

Instead, Fizdale needs to challenge the 26-year-old wing to embrace the challenge of becoming a better defender. If the Knicks really want to compete in the Eastern Conference, they will need him to become a decent matchup for players like LeBron James, Jayson Tatum and DeMar Derozan.

Last season, he was solidly below average on defense. He’s never going to become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but he can become an above average wing defender. That’s a very valuable thing in today’s NBA.

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