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New York Knicks: David Fizdale praises Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 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 - MAY 8: David Fizdale is announced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks during a press conference on May 8, 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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New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale weighed in on Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson. He praised the rookies for their toughness.

The New York Knicks have made significant progress towards a return to prominence. With an All-Star big man and a lockdown defender at point guard, the foundation was already in place for the Knicks to return to the style of play that proved rewarding in the 1990s.

The 2018 NBA Draft has provided New York with a new level of upside, however, including the potential to meet the modern standards for two-way execution.

New York selected Kevin Knox at No. 9 overall and Mitchell Robinson at No. 36. Both moves have garnered rave reviews, due in large part to their respective performances at the 2018 Summer League in Las Vegas.

In an interview with Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated, Knicks head coach David Fizdale offered praise for Knox and Robinson—both as basketball players and people.

"“They work really hard, they don’t mess around, they come to work like grown-ups. They’re competitive. You can see they like being with the Knicks and scrapping. Obviously, I keep raving about their length and athleticism. I love that. That is my kind of guys. They’re just good kids. They’re just good-hearted, nice kids that just want to be good basketball players. So I really like them a lot.”"

There are many players who are talented, but Knox and Robinson being good-hearted people will go a long way towards helping them realize their potential.

Knox, 18, is a driven competitor who has been heralded for his athleticism, IQ, and professionalism. He’s been respectful during interviews and fiercely competitive during the Summer League games that’s he’s made his proving ground.

Knox has done so by skying above the rim for explosive finishes and showing an unexpected level of defensive intensity.

As for Robinson, he’s an elite athlete with tremendous size and length, and the tools to become a double-double machine in the NBA.

Robinson recorded a double-double against the Utah Jazz, and did so while providing impressive contributions as a rim protector. More importantly: He’s proven that, despite spending a year away from organized basketball, he’s been putting the work in to play at a high level.

With the raw ability to shine on both ends of the floor, and the open-mindedness to address their flaws, Knox and Robinson are in a position to succeed.

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There’s still work to be done, but David Fizdale and the New York Knicks have two high-level prospects in Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson.

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