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New York Knicks: Five realistic goals for David Fizdale in 2018-19

By Rob Wolkenbrod

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. 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. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 26: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks blocks the shot against Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets on March 26, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 26: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks blocks the shot against Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets on March 26, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Defensive improvement

Defense proved troublesome through multiple coaching eras of the New York Knicks, from Mike D’Antoni to Derek Fisher to Jeff Hornacek, it remained a problem and did not help that Carmelo Anthony, while a superstar on offense, was never held in a high defensive regard.

For David Fizdale, he will not only look to spearhead player development but a new-look defense for the 2018-19 season.

The Knicks were not a disaster defensively in 2017-18, but allowing 108 points per game compared to the 104.5 they scored does not equate well. That includes teams shooting 36.8 percent against them from three-point range.

Most of the roster had a Defensive Rating above 110, as well, aside from Enes Kanter, Kristaps Porzingis (hurt mid-season) and Kyle O’Quinn (no longer with the team) and others who did not play enough to make an impact.

In Fizdale’s lone full season with the Memphis Grizzlies, the 2016-17 squad allowed just 100 points per game, and good for third in the NBA. While Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Tony Allen were among the players on that roster, it still represents Fizdale’s ability to coach a top defense, something the Knicks brass may expect down the road.

The Knicks defense might not become a top group overnight, but look for improvement as the 2018-19 season deepens.

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