Speaking today to reporters, including Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Knicks head coach David Fizdale expressed a belief that the franchise will be an attractive destination for 2019 free agents. As Fizdale explains, he and the current management group have worked hard to change the idea that the Knicks are a toxic or poorly-run organization.
“What I think we’ve done together with (president) Steve Mills and (GM) Scott Perry and (owner) Mr. (James) Dolan and myself and all our staff, is we changed the perception of how we operate and treat each other and what’s important,” Fizdale said. “That’s the first step in getting people to come to New York. When they see we have a really tight ship, really take care of our guys, our guys get better and get a lot of attention.
“Hopefully all of those things, with the combination of the understanding we have Kristaps Porzingis there, too, this team isn’t necessarily what our record is when you put him in the mix,” Fizdale continued. “We have something free agents will like.”
The Knicks should have the flexibility to open up enough cap space for a maximum-salary free agent in 2019, and are expected to pursue Kevin Durant and other stars. While Fizdale, who said that Dolan is “on board with everything we’re doing,” didn’t identify any specific targets, he suggested that the Knicks should be in a “good position” to make strong pitches by the time the free agent market opens next July.
Enes Kanter, who has expressed a desire to remain with the Knicks beyond his current contract, agrees with head coach that Fizdale, Perry, and Mills have helped improve the culture in New York.
“There was this thing that people don’t want to come here or they were just scared,” Kanter said, per Bondy. “With all this new front office, with the coach and everything, it definitely changes. If you see the moves, see the pieces have changed, you see all the young guys have come in and everything, I think it’s definitely changing. It’s definitely going to a good destination.”
Although the Knicks certainly appear to be on the right track, with Fizdale making a positive impact early in his tenure and the front office avoiding short-sighted roster decisions, they’ll face plenty of competition in 2019 free agency. The Lakers, Clippers, Sixers, Bulls, and Nets are among the other big-market clubs expected to have significant cap room.
unlikely
Give credit to Kanter for staying positive when there is no realistic way he can fit in to the NYK’s 2019-20 salary structure.
It’s too bad that he won’t, I wouldn’t mind Kanter sticking around. Mid-level exception, but even at approximately $9M per, it won’t be what he’s looking for.
phil jackson the zen master sucked as a player/gm and was an over-rated coach
link to espn.com
How about this deal
link to espn.com
I think Woody Allen’s family would be a more attractive destination. They are a less dysfunctional family than the knicks.
Dumb and offensive.
They need to trade for picks and build through the draft.
They are finally on a positive track. It is funny how KP’s absence forced a re-evaluation of every player on the team.
Young Hardaway is a darn good player on his own.
Kanter is going to continue to carve out his own territory in the league for the next ten years at least. He is made of nails and if Millsap gets $90m for 3, then change is a-coming to Kanter. Where would the Knicks find a boss rebounder and adept scorer and passer like Kanter? Ha, they won’t. Sign him.
Frank Ntilikina oozes potential, needs playing time. G league?
Trey Burke – Very impressive, I’d be inclined to sign him.
Mudiay – Larry Brown says so and there are times when he’s nearly spectacular. Stick with him.
Vonleh – Absolutely solid diamond in the rough, keep feeding him.
Lance Thomas – Pro’s pro, potential reserve on a good team
Hezonja – His game is multidimensional, but he’s never been a consistent NBA performer. Would dominate in Europe.
Baker – I’d say it’s time to say sayonara
Knox – G league would help him regain confidence.
Trier – Looked the part from day one, still does.
Dotson – three and D
Robinson – kid is all upside, another reason to keep Kanter around
Courtney Lee – injured @ large dollars, hard to evaluate
They are finally on a positive track. It is funny how KP’s absence forced a re-evaluation of every player on the team.
Young Hardaway is a darn good player on his own.
Kanter will carve out his own territory in the league for the next ten years at least. He is made of nails and if Millsap gets $90m for 3, then change is a-coming to Kanter. Where would the Knicks find a boss rebounder and adept scorer and passer like Kanter? Ha, they won’t. Sign him.
Frank Ntilikina oozes potential, needs playing time. G league?
Trey Burke – Very impressive, I’d be inclined to sign him.
Mudiay – Larry Brown says so and there are times when he’s nearly spectacular. Stick with him.
Vonleh – Absolutely solid diamond in the rough, keep feeding him.
Lance Thomas – Pro’s pro, potential reserve on a good team
Hezonja – His game is multidimensional, but he’s never been a consistent NBA performer. Would dominate in Europe.
Baker – I’d say it’s time to say sayonara
Knox – G league would help him regain confidence.
Trier – Looked the part from day one, still does.
Dotson – three and D
Robinson – kid is all upside, another reason to keep Kanter around
Courtney Lee – injured @ large dollars, hard to evaluate