David Fizdale Kristaps Porzingis
ESNY Graphic, Getty Images

New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale glows about Kristaps Porzingis’s current energy in practice during the rehab process. 

Robby Sabo

Don’t look now but the big boss man, David Fizdale, just hyped up an entire city.

Via Matt Eisenberg of SNY, the first-year New York Knicks head coach is impressed with Kristaps Porzingis’s current energy at practice.

“He’s been awesome to have in the gym,” Fizdale said Monday. “It’s like having another coach. The film sessions, he speaks up as much as any coach on our staff, and what he says is exactly what we need said.”

Porzingis, 23, is currently in the midst of a grueling rehab after tearing his ACL last season. At this point, nobody knows when (or if at all) the Latvian will make his return during the 2018-19 NBA season.

Fizdale surely hopes he returns sooner rather than later yet, either way, young Porzingis has been a great asset for the squad.

“He asks great questions. Certain other guys are shy about asking questions, so KP will ask a question just to take the pressure off the guy,” Fizdale said. “That’s the part I’ve been paying attention to, how he’s been leading, how he’s been engaging. … I just see a teammate out there. I see a guy that’s trying to contribute any way he can.”

KP is entering his fourth season as a professional. A year ago—after exploding out of the gates—he earned his first NBA All-Star nod while averaging 22.7 points on .439 from the floor while chipping in with 6.6 rebounds per game.

Many individuals believe the best course of action will have Porzingis sit out the entire season while the rest of the team gains experience under the new sideline boss. Others want to see the cornerstone back as soon as possible.

For now, we know David Fizdale is loving the energy Kristaps Porzingis is providing while he climbs his way back on to the NBA hardwood.

 
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com