New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale is sick and tired of the load management-based questions he’s receiving.
On Sunday evening, the New York Knicks dropped their third consecutive matchup with a 113-92 loss at the hands of the Sacramento Kings. The Knicks, simply speaking, couldn’t contain the opposing backout, as guards De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield dropped 24 and 22 points, respectively.
What was interesting in this game is that Knicks rookie guard RJ Barrett played all but seven minutes. The Duke University product is now averaging 37.1 minutes-per-game. Is he spending too much time on the floor?
Are the Knicks relying on his presence too much? Whatever question you have regarding this subject, don’t ask head coach David Fizdale about it.
"We gotta get off this load management crap"
Knicks HC David Fizdale says he's not worried about overusing RJ Barrett pic.twitter.com/wU4RiQWNkg
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 4, 2019
“[RJ] has the day off tomorrow,” Fizdale said, referring to the fact that the Knicks’ next game isn’t until Wednesday, via Robby Sabo of ESNY. “We gotta get off of this load management crap. [Former Knicks shooting guard] Latrell Sprewell averaged 42 minutes for a season. This kid’s 19 years old. Drop it already.”
Fizdale could have a point that Barrett has a fresh body at his age in order to play the minutes he’s been playing. After all, he was one of the few bright spots in the loss to Sacramento. He dropped 22 points with five rebounds and three assists. His point total was just second on the team behind Marcus Morris, who had 28.
Barrett was also asked about the 41-minute total after the game. Ultimately, his few words on the matter reflected Fizdale’s thoughts.
"I'm good, I'm nineteen"
RJ Barrett isn't worried about being overused pic.twitter.com/ic4kqSsmsx
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 4, 2019
After handing the Kings just their second win of the season, the Knicks sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 1-6. They take on the 3-4 Detroit Pistons on the road on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET.
