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New York Knicks: NY is stuck between the 76ers, Celtics; So what’s next?

Angela Bucalo|
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Shane Larkin #8 of the Boston Celtics and Semi Ojeleye #37 celebrate during a New York Knicks time out in the first half at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Shane Larkin #8 of the Boston Celtics and Semi Ojeleye #37 celebrate during a New York Knicks time out in the first half at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

One-unicorn town

Kristaps Porzingis tore his ACL in a home game against the Bucks this past February, and it was hardly surprising. The team was overachieving, sure. Porzingis had just been elected to his first All-Star appearance, great. But a basic familiarity with this franchise means you should always brace for the absolute worst.

Now, Knicks fans – thanks to a loose-lipped Dolan – worry they won’t see their unicorn in action for at least another full year.

Therein lies a major issue: no matter when Porzingis is healthy enough to resume his blossoming career, he may have to resume losing if the culture around him isn’t sustainable. Porzingis, who’s watched the Knicks steadily win fewer games in each season since his draft year, is tired of not making the playoffs.

On May 24, Porzingis posted a rare tweet, broadcasting his excitement about working with Fizdale. Fizdale also met with Porzingis’s older brother-slash-agent Janis on May 20, and he plans to fly over to Europe during the summer to meet with Kristaps in person.

By openly endorsing Coach Fizdale, Porzingis put a temporary stopper on the chatter that doubted the two could mesh. Fizdale was fired early in his second season with the Memphis Grizzlies, largely because he and Marc Gasol could not see eye to eye. Grizzlies ownership chose to keep Gasol happy (though with the way that season unfolded, it’s unlikely he stayed happy).

New York press badgered on about Fizdale’s rocky relationship with Gasol, intimating that Fiz can’t comfortably coach European big men.

Au contraire, Porzingis is buying in to Fizdale, and by extension, to this unfamiliar phase for the franchise. But the Knicks need to have a bulletproof plan in place for when he returns. Whenever that time comes, they may not be ready to take down the 76ers or the Celtics. But at the very least, they must show that they’ve got their sh*t together. Otherwise, why would Porzingis want to stay?

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