New York Knicks: 3 New Year’s resolutions for 2020
3. Stick with Mike Miller
There could be a lot of debate as to what the toughest job on the planet is. Bomb technician, firefighter and stuntman would be near the top of the list. Right at the summit would lie the head coaching gig for the Knicks
On Dec. 6, the Knicks announced their decision to officially part ways with David Fizdale who had served as the team’s head coach for a little bit more than a year.
They promoted ex-assistant coach Mike Miller to the interim head coaching job while continuing to search for a long-term replacement. This decision –like everything else in New York– didn’t go uncriticized as people wondered if the team should’ve stuck with Fizdale.
Fizdale’s Knicks held a record of 4-18 to start the season. Since Miller’s takeover, the team has elevated this record to 5-6. This means that Miller has one more win in exactly half the games coached.
Mike Miller is now 5-6, w/ much attention going to how he's helped Julius Randle. But how about his effect on the Knicks core pieces?
— Jonathan Macri (@JCMacriNBA) December 29, 2019
Mitchell Robinson under Fiz:
-12.5 net rating
Mitch w/ Miller:
+3.6
Knox under Fiz:
-15.3
Knox w/MM:
+2.4
RJ under Fiz:
-10.3
RJ w/MM:
-4.5
The main player that has benefited incredibly from Miller is Julius Randle who was perceived as a total failure under Fizdale. About a month ago, Randle was fifth in the league in turnovers with 4.1 per game. Now, he’s making a case for a spot amongst the reserves in the All-Star game.
Though the sample of 11 games is too small, Miller appears like the correct guy to manage this peculiar roster that was assembled by New York’s front office in July. As a result, the Knicks should try their best to stick with him and avoid looking for a replacement that is a better head coach “on paper”.