The New Heach Coach of New York Knicks David Fizdale is a very well-respected around the league. Â From his days in Miami, to Memphis and now to New York, players only have good things to say about Fiz. Â Now that he is the man in New York, he is already trying to change the culture of the organization that has been in desperate need of a face lift.
For many years, Walt “Clyde†Frazier was not apart of the development of young players.  Besides broadcasting games, he did not have any input to help strengthen the franchise.  Clyde always said that he did not want to “overstep his bounds†with the coaches and rightfully so, but one of the franchises best point guards should give his two-cents for the betterment of the team.
For years, all Clyde wanted was a simple invite to practice and to chat it up with the guards.  Is that so much to ask?  Like come on guys.  Again, the best point guard in franchise history and you can’t even invite the guy to practice?  “We talkin’ about pratice.  Not a game, not a game.  Practice.â€
The impact of David Fizdale on the New York Knicks:
Coach Fizdale has begun breaking down barriers, beginning with inviting Clyde to practice to speak with the guards. Â Fiz praised Clyde on being a great defender and the defense was seen in the second pre-season game against the Nets.
Not only has Clyde been invited to help the team, Patrick Ewing was also invited back. Â Ewing gave the team a great speech before their game against the Nets. Â Ewing is another player who was never brought back to help coach the team, something Ewing has always coveted. Â The franchise, thanks to Dolan and company, never even invited Ewing in for an interview to join the coaching staff. Â They should be ashamed of themselves.
Finally, even though it’s the pre-season, Fizdale is coaching like it’s the playoffs.  Fizdale has been seen on the sidelines jumping up and down, arguing and getting involved into the games.  I haven’t seen that type of energy from a coach in the pre-season in forever from a Knicks coach.  That is the type of stuff that is going to attract players, a relatable, high-energy coach in New York and Fiz is the man for the job.
From looking at what he’s said in the offseason and a few games into the pre-season, David Fizdale should have already won the hearts of Knicks fans.  He is active with the players, he’s engaging legends of the Knickerbockers who have been shunned for decades.  Someone had to eventually come in and shake things up, Fiz is looking to be that man and so far, he’s going a damn fine job.