David Fizdale was standing outside of the entrance to Madison Square Garden under a marquee that announced his arrival. “Welcome David Fizdale, New York Knicks Head Coach,” it read in lights. As photographers clicked their cameras and Fizdale posed with a basketball, a pot-bellied passerby offered his quick assessment.
“Good luck. You’ll need it,” he shouted.
It was typical New York. Only minutes after being named the Knicks 29th head coach, Fizdale was already being heckled.
There is little question Fizdale has the résumé for the job; an apprenticeship as an assistant under Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra with the Heat; a playoff season as the head coach of the Grizzlies and the experience of self-reflection that comes with being fired.