David Fizdale’s job is reportedly safe so long as the New York Knicks avoid a “severe slide” and show forward progress.
Following a blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this season, it appeared as if David Fizdale‘s days with the New York Knicks were numbered.
Team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry held an impromptu press conference after the loss, essentially putting the head coach on the hot seat for the entire world to see. That being said, it now looks like Fizdale’s seat is cooling off according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
“According to sources, the club would need to suffer a severe slide for anything to happen to Fizdale in the near future with the won-loss record not the key barometer. Progress, competitiveness and player development are paramount,” wrote Berman.
The Knicks are 4-13 with a brutal upcoming schedule including games against the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets.
It’s very possible that the Knicks struggle over the course of the next few weeks, but the schedule has to factor into any assessment of Fiz’s performance as head coach. Of their next five games, all teams have playoff hopes—even championship aspirations.
Another aspect of Fizdale’s job security lies in his possible replacement. An earlier report from Berman stated that the Knicks were not enamored with any of the options to take over for Fizdale in the interim.
The Knicks have experienced their fair share of ups and downs this season and Fizdale has been front and center for it all.
