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New York Knicks: David Fizdale aiming to help Emmanuel Mudiay

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 23: Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 23: Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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David Fizdale was introduced as head coach of the New York Knicks on Tuesday, May 8. He pledged to help Emmanuel Mudiay evolve as a player.

The New York Knicks acquired point guard Emmanuel Mudiay on the day of the 2018 NBA trade deadline. It was a surprising decision, but it provided the organization with a compelling total of three former top-10 draft picks at the point guard position.

Mudiay has struggled to score with any semblance of efficiency during his three-year NBA career, but head coach David Fizdale believes that he can help the 22-year-old right the ship.

Mudiay has accumulated a career slash line of .374/.317/.731 during his first three NBA seasons. He’s been criticized by many for being out of shape, including staunch supporter Larry Brown, and has failed to develop a consistent jump shot or the ability to finish with efficiency around the rim.

During coach Fizdale’s introductory press conference, he made it a point to tell Mudiay that he’s going to help him reach the next level.

If any player is going to benefit from Fizdale’s arrival, it stands to reason that it will be Mudiay who manages to elevate his game.

Mudiay has the natural talent to be a perennial All-Star in the NBA. He’s a 6’5″ point guard with a strong frame, a 6’9″ wingspan, an explosive first step, and the unique ability to contort his body in traffic for acrobatic finishes.

Mudiay also has high-level court vision, as evidenced by his career average of 6.1 assists per 36 minutes through 187 games played.

Unfortunately, Mudiay also has a nonexistent jump shot, a tendency to lose control as a finisher, a troubling turnover rate, and a dreadful history on defense.

In other words: Mudiay has all of the tools to be a star, but he also has the erratic skill set to sabotage his own success. It’s of Brown’s belief that the first key to unlocking his potential will be getting into the, “Unbelievable shape,” that rivals the likes of John Wall and Russell Westbrook.

Fizdale is aiming to help Mudiay shed excess weight, polish his skill set, improve defensively, and thus realize his potential as a player.

Must Read: 2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Impact of David Fizdale

Considering David Fizdale is known to run drills that focus on the fundamentals of finishing, the New York Knicks may have found the perfect coach for Emmanuel Mudiay.

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