Let’s read into the comments that New York Knicks coach David Fizdale made on ESPN while making the media rounds.
When teams hire a new coach, they immediately take their act on the road, explaining how things will be different—and, ideally, better. That’s what David Fizdale has been doing since earning the New York Knicks job.
For the most part, these largely prepared remarks mean little more than words on a page. It’s not like Fizdale is on TV threatening to start Lance Thomas over Kristaps Porzingis, or stating that Frank Ntilikina‘s days in New York are numbered.
He did make one interesting comment on ESPN this week, however, when he appeared on Get Up.
The hosts asked Fizdale about the kind of player he wanted to coach in New York.
Fizdale’s response:
"“Long and tough. But he’s gotta have an edge to him. I don’t want soft guys here. I don’t want cupcakes. I want guys that have an edge to them, that enjoy defending. That get joy out of locking teams down.”"
Does that sound like anyone you know?
Enes Kanter hasn’t been in New York long, but he’s emerged as one of the toughest, edgiest players in recent team history. He wasn’t afraid to pick fights on the court with the game’s elite, battle through injuries, or speak his mind on the sidelines.
The 25-year old holds the cards on a future with the Knicks. He has a player option for this summer, which will pay him $18.6 million. There appears to be a mutual interest in keeping him in the Big Apple.
Kanter has repeatedly stated that the team feels like a home to him, and president Steve Mills seems happy to have him back.
Steve Mills on Enes Kanter: “Enes wants to be here in New York,” Mills said on MSG Network. Mills was then asked if the next move is the Knicks’ or Kanter’s. “Really, it’s his,” Mills said. “He has to choose to opt in.” Kanter has a $18.6 million player option for next season.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 10, 2018
This is the first time the new coach has seemingly weighed in, though. For the coach and front office to have a good relationship, they need to be on the same page.
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If we’re reading into David Fizdale’s comments, we may know that the leaders of the New York Knicks are on the page of a future with Enes Kanter.