2. Identify & Develop a Team Identity

Selecting Fizdale as the Knicks next head coach will benefit in the long run. Fizdale is a players coach and helps develop players holistically. While coaching in Miami the 44-year-old coach helped encourage and push younger and older players to work together. Players will buy into the philosophy of the former Grizzlies head coach because of his relatability.

Fizdale benefited from the knowledge and standard that Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra set. After coaching under Spoelstra the new Knicks coach will come in with a defense-first attitude. When you think of the old Knicks rosters that featured Patrick Ewing, Mark Jackson and Charles Oakley you remember the physical defense.

Of course, the Knicks won’t get back to that physical style of play due to the rules of today. However, with Fizdale as the head coach the team will take pride on that side of the floor. With the additions of Knox and Robinson, the coaching staff will be able to play small ball effectively.

Not to mention once Portzingis returns he can play the five on selective nights. It’s safe to say that New York will have solid point guard play with Burke, Mudiay, and Ntilikina as possible options. This season the NYK need to focus on running the break, running the pick & roll and committing on the defensive end.

Despite the possible long-term absence of KP, the Knicks can have success with running the pick & roll with Kanter, Robinson, and Knox. The possibilities are endless but it will take time to build a winning culture.

Next Up: Goal 1