Why Mike Miller is the answer to the New York Knicks’ problems

In the 13 games as interim head coach, Mike Miller has revived the New York Knicks from a dreadful start under David Fizdale.

Through the first 22 games of the season, the New York Knicks posted a 4-18 record, which led to head coach David Fizdale’s firing.

Many, including ESPN senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowksi, named Fizdale the victim of the Knicks’ poor roster construction.

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Yes, the Knicks struck out on big-name free agents in the offseason and ultimately constructed a roster that seemed to have little chance of making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. However, over the past 13 games, the roster no longer seems to be the issue. Fizdale, who was dubbed the scapegoat of the Knicks’ poor start, was the root of the problems.

With the same “gutted” roster, interim head coach Mike Miller has turned the Knicks’ season around in just 13 games. The former NBA G League Coach of the Year in 2017-18 with the Westchester Knicks is 6-7, improving to 10-25 on the season.

Sure, the record isn’t pretty, but Miller has begun to push the Knicks in the right direction.

Thus far in Miller’s tenure, the Knicks have a 24-point win over the Portland Trail Blazers, a 23-point win over the Atlanta Hawks and a three-game win streak which recently ended.

So, was the team poorly built or did Fizdale not know how to utilize the roster given to him?

Miller’s early success suggests that the latter is the answer.

In addition, Miller has been key to the young core’s development. Previously as an assistant coach under Fizdale, Miller handled player development. As the interim head coach, it doesn’t look like he’s giving up that role.

Julius Randle is the highlight of Miller’s player development. Since taking over for Fizdale, Randle is averaging 21.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game on 46.2 percent shooting from the field. This 13-game span included three straight games in which he scored 30 or more points.

This success can be attributed to Randle’s new role in the offense. Under Fizdale, Randle handled the ball far too often, leading to a career-high 3.3 turnovers per game. That number has since dropped to 2.2 per game as Miller is utilizing the forward as a slasher.

Although Randle has been in the spotlight, the Knicks’ production as a team has soared, specifically on the defensive end. Under Fizdale, the Knicks held opponents to 46.7 percent shooting and 38.6 percent from 3-point range. That would rank 22nd and 30th, respectively, in the NBA right now.

Miller’s squad has lowered those numbers to 44 percent and 36.8 percent from behind the 3-point line through the 13 games he’s coached. That would slot in at seventh and 23rd, respectively, following Friday’s tilt.

In addition, the Knicks were historically strong defensively in the three-game stretch against the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Trail Blazers. Tommy Beer of Forbes detailed how significant these three games have been.

"The Knicks have held each of their last three opponents to 100 points or less while shooting below 40% from the floor. Per Basketball-Reference, It’s been more than 15 years since New York matched those numbers in three straight victories, and it’s just the second time this century."

Yes, it’s a small sample size, but Miller has completely turned the Knicks around in a matter of 13 games. Hope is no longer lost, and a roster that was once labeled as “gutted” and “rudderless” now has a clear future with Miller at the helm of the play calling.