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New York Knicks: Chauncey Billups praises David Fizdale hire

By Maxwell Ogden

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Chauncey Billups honors Flip Saunders during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bree McGee/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Chauncey Billups honors Flip Saunders during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bree McGee/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ESPN analyst and NBA champion Chauncey Billups offered high praise for the New York Knicks hiring David Fizdale as head coach.

The New York Knicks have been the laughing stock of the NBA for the better part of two decades. Success has been fleeting and failure has been an identity for an organization that’s been in constant pursuit of an instant fix.

When the Knicks completed the search for their new head coach, however, the response from around the NBA was uncharacteristically positive.

News broke on Thursday, May 3 that the Knicks have hired David Fizdale to fill the vacancy at head coach. Fizdale beat out 10 other candidates for the job, which created the foundation for the belief that New York did its homework before making a final decision.

During an episode of ESPN’s NBA Countdown, NBA champion point guard Chauncey Billups made a bold proclamation about the decision to hire Fizdale.

"“They got the best coach on the market, in my opinion. I’m happy for him. I’m happy for Scott Perry and Steve Mills. I’m happy for them.”"

Billups continued, stating his belief that Kristaps Porzingis should be thrilled with the fact that Fizdale is his new head coach.

"“Kristaps, I would be happy if I was him. You get a guy like Fizdale, who knows the game, who’s relatable. Who’s contemporary, who’s coached some great players and has championship pedigree.’’"

Billups has been vocal in his support and criticism of the Knicks in the past, which makes this as much of an unbiased statement as any.

It wasn’t long ago that Billups was stating that top point guards don’t want to play in the triangle offense. New York failed to bring in significant talent at the position, thus supporting the claim of a point guard who has a strong case for being in the Hall of Fame.

Billups’ tune changed greatly following the decision to hire Fizdale, who’s widely regarded as one of the most promising coaches in the Association.

As for Billups’ specific comments on the matter, it stands to reason that he can be the coach who can help Porzingis reach the next level.

Fizdale has experience coaching great players, including Chris Bosh, Marc Gasol, Al Horford, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. He had a falling out with Gasol, but has taken accountability for his role in that and now has past experience to reference during trying times.

On the court, Fizdale is a demanding coach on the defensive end of the floor and a creative mind on offense who understands the value of spacing.

Must Read: Five reasons to love the David Fizdale hiring

Only time will tell how David Fizdale and Kristaps Porzingis connect, but the New York Knicks hired a head coach who’s qualified to right the ship.

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