Despite the New York Knicks’ brutal 1-6 start, head coach David Fizdale feels fully supported by the team’s front office.
The New York Knicks have lost three games in a row and although it’s only seven games into the season, the pressure is mounting on David Fizdale. The Knicks had measured expectations coming into the season, but the belief was that the Knicks would be more competitive this season.
The front office is still supportive of Fizdale despite the rocky start and his 18-71 record as head coach of the Knicks.
“They’ve been incredibly supportive,” Fizdale said on Wednesday per Marc Berman of the New York Post. “We talk every day. The beauty of what’s happening inside our building is everyone is connected. They all see the work that we’re putting in.”
General manager Scott Perry and team president Steve Mills have consistently emphasized patience over the last two seasons. Therefore, it’s safe to assume Fizdale’s job is secure even if the team is struggling to find a rhythm.
The head coach will always be a lightning rod for criticism when his team is losing. That’s just the nature of the beast.
That being said, Fizdale is facing another tall task in trying to make this Knicks team competitive right out of the gate. Elfrid Payton is hobbled by injury and Dennis Smith Jr. has missed the last four games while dealing with a death in his family.
Add in the fact that Fiz is trying to figure out how to set his rotations with an influx of veteran free agents on short-term deals and a host of young players who need playing time to develop. The Knicks are a difficult team to coach and the scrutiny of the New York fans and media doesn’t make it any easier.
Fizdale and the Knicks are looking to snap their three-game losing streak against the Detroit Pistons (3-5) on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET).
