Unstable.
It’s not always easy to define a major brand like the New York Knicks in one word, but unstable perfectly encapsulates James Dolan’s franchise.
David Fizdale’s firing is just another example of what a mess New York’s basketball team has become.
During his 104-game run as Knicks head coach, Fizdale never had a competitive roster. The front office was busy trying to make space for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Of course, the Knicks failed in their efforts, leaving New York to look toward the future — thus putting Fizdale in a spot where it was even tougher to win games.
Knicks fired coach David Fizdale, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 6, 2019
League source confirms to SNY that Knicks have fired head coach David Fizdale, as ESPN first reported.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 6, 2019
Yet, just days before Knicks brass decided it was time to move on from Fizdale, Durant and Irving received criticism for electing to sign with the Brooklyn Nets over the Knicks.
Not sure why the Knicks allowed David Fizdale to run a practice before firing him.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) December 6, 2019
As New York native and longtime rapper Fat Joe put it, Durant and Irving “didn’t want that smoke.”
There’s certainly a different vibe with the Knicks versus the Nets. One has direction, the other one is the Knicks.
And if the Knicks are willing to solely blame Fizdale for their miserable run during his time, who knows how bad things could’ve been for Durant or Irving if they chose to call the Garden their home.
Receiving criticism from fans and media with high expectations is one thing. Dealing with unreasonable expectations in-house, well, that’s something no one wants to sign up for.