L.A. Clippers head coach Doc Rivers praised the hard work New York Knicks helmsman David Fizdale has had to do over the course of the 2018-19 season, coaching his young players and managing his veteran's minutes in an otherwise lost campaign.

“I think he's done a remarkable job,” said Rivers, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. “He's had a tough job. I've been in that position. You have a bunch of young guys. I had four high school guys one year, or three high school guys, in Boston. That's hard.”

Rivers coached a young Boston Celtics team before Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett joined the fold, giving him the experience to speak about this matter. Fizdale has had to balance giving veterans like Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter playing time through the start of the season, while still developing the likes of Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay, Mitchell Robinson and Luke Kornet, among others.

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) warms up before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden.
Bojan Bogdanovic makes big retirement decision after 2024-25 campaignZachary Weinberger ·
Mar 5, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) laughs before the game with the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center.
Karl-Anthony Towns shares funny post after Dawn Staley’s Knicks interview Rishav Bhat ·
May 11, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins (right) and Interim Golden State Warriors Head Coach Mike Brown (left) lead their teams from the sidelines during game five of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-Imagn Images
Knicks rumors: Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown heading into 2nd round of HC interviewsKris Pursiainen ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena. Thibodeau
Knicks rumors: New York interested in Dawn Staley for head coaching jobZachary Howell ·
2025 NBA Draft Big Board First Round
New York Knicks 2025 NBA Draft grade for pick No. 51Drew Maresca ·
Leon Rose, Mohamed Diawara, New York Knicks logo with Madison Square Garden behind them
Knicks draft intriguing French prospect after Clippers tradeKris Pursiainen ·

It hasn't been easy, considering the Knicks were destined to lose games with their former franchise star on the shelf for the entire season.

“That's a hard job because you're teaching and you're not necessarily winning. But it pays dividends later,” said Rivers. “Some of those guys turn into pieces to help you win. Some of those guys turn into pieces that you use. But either way, you have to develop. Developing is hard.”

Fizdale has already seen positive results in Robinson, the team's leading shot-blocker, along with others like Allonzo Trier, Damyean Dotson, Noah Vonleh and even Dennis Smith Jr. who came over from the trade, before he suffered his latest injury.