Current New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale once filled the same role with the Memphis Grizzlies. In that stint, his team was tenaciously defensive-minded. So it should come as no surprise that Fizdale, during his tenure with New York, is attempting to replicate some of that. According to the Knicks' head man in charge, that's why second-year forward Kevin Knox has seen reduced minutes.
“We got candid relationships around here. No one’s got thin skin,” Fizdale said, per Steve Popper of Newsday. “He and I have been through a lot together already. He knows where I’m coming from. He knows I want the best for him and I’m going to continue to challenge him. He can accept the challenge. … Like I said, his offense has taken that step forward, now I’m pushing his defense to take that step forward.”
Knox, whom the organization took with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has seen his minutes significantly wane over New York's last five games, having averaged 13.5 minutes per contest in that span. Things bottomed out when he saw a season-low nine minutes during Saturday's loss to San Antonio.
As Fizdale alluded to, Knox has averaged 8.3 points per game this season, even as he has seen his minutes reduced. Despite that, he currently has produced a 113 defensive rating. With a plethora of veteran options available at Fizdale's disposal (many of whom are experienced defensively), it's no wonder that he has opted to entrust minutes with those whom he believes will stem the opponents' tide.
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