NY Knicks: Grading every Steve Mills transaction, Part 1

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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 07: Head coach David Fizdale gestures during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 7, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Hired David Fizdale as head coach

GRADE: F

This is perhaps the biggest failure in the Steve Mills era as team president. The Knicks conducted an exhaustive interview process to find a new coach at the end of the 2017-18 season when Jeff Hornacek was fired, and they were widely applauded for their decision to hire the player-friendly bench chief in David Fizdale.

However, after failing to woo free agents the following summer and getting off to a terrible 4-18 start this past season, it was clear that Fizdale wasn’t the right fit for a young, Knicks roster. He was fired just one season and change into his five-year contract.

Upon taking over for Fizdale, Mike Miller proved there were more wins in the roster than what Fizdale was able to generate.

The Fizdale hire was a failure because it was the wrong match. While Fiz could have performed better on the court, his hands were tied given the talent and changeover associated with the roster. That said, he wasn’t the right coach to lead a young, developing team. Fizdale makes more sense for a veteran group.

Hired to appease superstar players, it’s ironic the Knicks never got the chance to use their likable coach to pitch to any of the marquee free agents during the summer of 2019.

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