Fansided

David Fizdale makes good first impression on Kristaps Porzingis

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in action against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 14, 2018 in New York City. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 123-118 in overtime. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in action against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 14, 2018 in New York City. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 123-118 in overtime. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Knicks fans can breathe a little easier about the team’s future. Kristaps Porzingis is excited about new coach David Fizdale.

When the New York Knicks made the decision to hire David Fizdale as their next head coach the team did bring one nightmare scenario into play. Fizdale’s inability to get along with Marc Gasol in Memphis was a large factor in his dismissal. Fans had every right to wonder whether or not the former Grizzlies head man could get along with their own star big man Kristaps Porzingis.

At least for now, Knicks fans can put those concerns to bed. The two have connected via phone and, per his own Twitter account, Porzingis is “excited” to work with his new head coach. That attitude will at least give the team a chance to move forward under Fizdale’s guidance.

Of course, the better question might be when Porzingis will be able to work with Fizdale on the court. There are conflicting rumors about when he might be healthy enough to impact the Knicks on the floor. Some estimates don’t think the big man will play until the middle of the 2018-19 regular season.

While the Knicks brass would like him back sooner than that, they have to realize this is a long-term project. Even if Fizdale can come in and rejuvenate the team, they don’t have the talent to be title contenders. They will need a healthy Porzingis plus several other quality pieces to make that type of leap.

Next: NBA Draft: 5 best fits for Jaren Jackson Jr.

Porzingis at least gives them one building block they can count on. If he and Fizdale don’t get onto the same page it’s going to be impossible for the franchise to progress much at all. Outside of Porzingis there just isn’t a ton of high-end NBA talent on the roster.

That’s a problem for a different day though. At least for today, Fizdale and Porzingis are excited to be working together. That’s good news for every Knicks fan.

Home/New York Knicks