Former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins shared his sentiments about the reported divide between the New York Knicks and head coach David Fizdale.
Though they landed RJ Barrett with the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft, the Knicks (2-8) have recorded the worst record in the Eastern Conference through the early stages of this season. Tensions have been running high, which has led to speculation that Fizdale could be replaced.
Perkins seems to be in Fizdale's corner in this matter. In fact, Perk noted that Fizdale was set up for failure from the beginning:
Set Coach Fiz up for failure from the time he got there. Jesus Christ couldn’t save this organization right now. 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/ZlE3BL8DgR
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) November 11, 2019
Knicks management has since denied claims they are looking to replace Fizdale. However, there are several reports pointing in that direction. New York's blowout loss to the Cavs on Sunday seemed to be the tipping point.
Steve Mills is selling owner James Dolan on a roster constructed to be highly competitive in the Eastern Conference, leaving Fizdale vulnerable to an ouster only weeks into the second season of a four-year contract that league sources say is worth $22 million.
Fizdale spoke with reporters on Monday, noting that the front office has been very supportive:
“The fact we talk every day,” Fizdale told ESPN. “We are in constant communication with each other. We're very raw with each other. Good or bad. None of us have an ego about it. We're all on the same page of where we are trying to get to. End of the day, we are all in this together.”
Whether or not Fizdale will indeed be replaced is still up for debate. Either way, the Knicks have not lived up to management's expectations thus far:
“Scott (Perry) and I are not happy with where we are right now,” Mills said, via ESPN. “We think the team is not performing to the level that we anticipated or we expected to perform at, and that's something that we think we collectively have to do a better job of delivering the product on the floor.”
Hopefully, the Knicks will be able to turn their season around. Their next shot at claiming a victory comes on Tuesday night, when they'll face off against the Chicago Bulls. Tip-off inside the United Center is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
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