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TORONTO — Reflecting on his tumultuous stint with the Knicks, David Fizdale attributed his disappointing coaching record to the decisions made by the team’s front office.
Appearing on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Fizdale expressed, “If I had another chance, I would have been more assertive in shaping the team early on instead of sacrificing my record. It’s a tough situation for coaches when you’re asked to participate in tanking.”
Fizdale disclosed that he was instructed by the front office, then headed by Steve Mills and Scott Perry, to intentionally lose games in hopes of securing draft picks like Zion Williamson or Ja Morant. The Knicks ultimately selected RJ Barrett with the third pick, and Fizdale noted that the team was under the impression that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving “were definitely joining us” that summer.
“That plan fell apart,” Fizdale admitted.
Instead, the Knicks ended up signing players such as Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Taj Gibson. Fizdale’s time with the team began with a 4-18 start in the 2019-20 season, leading to his dismissal. He left with a dismal record of 21-83, marking the lowest winning percentage in the franchise’s history.
“That s–t didn’t work out,” Fizdale said.
Instead, the Knicks signed Julius Randle, Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson. Fizdale started 4-18 during the 2019-20 season and was canned. His final record with the Knicks was 21-83, the worst winning percentage in franchise history.
“Losing all those damn games,” Fizdale said. “Donating my record.”
Despite Fizdale’s excuses, the Knicks were much better after he left with largely the same roster. Mike Miller was a much more respectable 17-27 as the interim coach.
Then Tom Thibodeau took over and guided the team to the No. 4 seed in the East.
Fizdale has not held a head coaching job since his failed Knicks stint. The 51-year-old was an assistant with the Lakers and Suns, but currently is not on a staff.