On the first day of training camp, New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale let reporters know that last season was just an experiment. During the lost season last year, the Knicks coaching staff experimented with defensive and offensive schemes. Last season was also about player development and a high draft pick in the lottery, not wins. Fizdale claims this season will be more about getting wins and the implementation of suitable defensive and offensive schemes for the New Knicks player personnel.
Many fans point to Fizdale’s management of player rotations and lack of offensive schemes last season. There’s plenty of fans voicing their opinions about the current Knick head coach’s lack of creativity for his players on offense. Isolation basketball caused the New York Knicks to finish in the last place in the entire league in assists last season. However, many overlooked the fact that last season’s personnel for the Knicks weren’t going to stick around very long anyway. Therefore, why would the coaching staff buckle down and commit to schemes instead of full player evaluation and development for the 2019-20 NBA Season?
The front office upgraded the New York Knicks roster after an atrocious season which sent the Knicks face-first into the lottery. The coaching staff is implementing schemes on both ends of the court. Many players on the Knicks last season contributed to losing and are no longer on the roster. Now the roster is filled with battle-tested NBA professionals. Some even have playoff experience. Having seasoned players around a young developing nucleus is priceless.
Overall, the Knicks are applying the right package of schemes to the right package of players. In due time, success should be on the horizon for the Knicks if they patiently continue to grind.