New York Knicks: David Fizdale has the perfect project in Kevin Knox

Though he may not fit the assumed meaning of the word, incoming rookie Kevin Knox is the perfect project for New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale.

People often hear the word, “Project,” and assume that it means an incoming rookie has nothing but physical gifts working in their favor. New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina is an example to the contrary, as his lack of an offensive identity was complemented by elite pick and roll defense.

While it’s second-round draft pick Mitchell Robinson who’s been labeled as the Knicks’ project pick in 2018, first-round selection Kevin Knox also fits the bill.

Knox is one of the most promising prospects to emerge from the 2018 NBA Draft. He has elite size and length for a 3, the versatility to play the 4, and the skill level to bridge the gap. True as that may be, he fits the project mold—in all the right ways.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Kentucky Wildcats assistant coach Kenny Payne had the following to say about Knox:

"“This is a unique situation for the Knicks. You’re literally being handed a ball of clay that is so talented, and you can mold that clay into whatever you want it to be.”"

That may not fit the typical project reputation of, “They’re talented, but have no idea what to do with it,” but it’s a truth that creates quite the opportunity for the coaching staff.

Knox is a 6’9″ and 213-pound hybrid forward with a near 7’0″ wingspan and a 9’0″ standing reach. He’s a future marksman in catch-and-shoot scenarios, has the handle to attack a set defense, and flashed one of the best in-between games of any wing in this class.

Knox also has the tools to defend multiple positions, which is a truth that should facilitate David Fizdale’s vision for a positionless system.

While Knox has the raw ability to become a high-level player, the project for the coaching staff is figuring out how exactly he should be playing.

Even in a positionless system, it’s fair to question what type of assignments Knox should be given on the defensive end of the floor. It’s equally appropriate to question if he should be playing a perimeter-oriented game on offense, or if he should be working from the inside-out.

With the versatility to grow into virtually any role Fizdale asks him to, the pressure is on the coaching staff to make the accurate determination about how he should play.

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If New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale works the proper magic, Kevin Knox could develop into the All-Star whom the franchise needs.