One of the newest New York Knicks has been very outspoken. Bobby Portis signed with the Knicks this off-season and seems to be an open book.
Portis has been very vocal with his ‘underdog mentality’ and being the ‘leader of the bench’. He recently tweeted out that he is ready for for the season to start. Portis is quickly becoming a fan favorite before the season started.
The positive, determined mindset that Portis is bringing is a breathe of fresh air to the organization.
Portis also gave his reasoning for why he signed with the New York Knicks in a interview with David Yapkowitz of Basketball Insiders.
He said, “Just the feel, they have a great coach in David Fizdale, they got a lot of young pieces out there I think I can come in and fit with.â€Â Portis continued, “I love that they signed Julius [Randle], that’s another guy that can bang and really play at a high level. I love everything David was talking about with me in the meeting that I had with him.â€
Fizdale has earned respect from numerous players around the league. He built this reputation after being apart of a 2 Miami Heat championships, which included the likes of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
If a coach is to gain the respect from those 3 NBA greats, he must be doing something right.
However, the first season in Fizdale’s Knicks tenure was tough. The team had the worst record in the league and received the 3rd overall selection in this past draft, RJ Barrett.  The combo of Portis and Fizdale can be something special for the Knicks. Their energy for the game is exactly what this team needs.
Despite being the leagues worst team last season, you could still see the passion was constantly present for Fizdale. He was scene running up and down the floor and cheering for his guys despite only winning 17 games.
The energy, determination and ‘underdog’ mentality will radiate off Portis and Fizdale to the other players. It will be contagious. With this new attitude Portis is bringing along with Fizdale’s energetic style, the Knicks will be looking to turn some heads.