Fizdale defends Knox's decreased role, wants him to 'fight his way out of it'

With his 4-15 New York Knicks mired at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, head coach David Fizdale's apparent reluctance to feature 2018 lottery pick Kevin Knox has raised eyebrows.

After starting most of his rookie season, Knox finds himself behind forwards Marcus Morris and Julius Randle on the Knicks' depth chart. Fizdale addressed the 20-year-old forward's smaller role both before and after Friday's 101-95 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

"I think Kevin's OK. I think everybody else is making a big deal about me being tough on Kevin," Fizdale said, according to SNY's Colin Martin. "Last year was a different year. This year, we've got some veteran guys who can get the job done and I want Kevin to learn his responsibilities in a different way.

"And sometimes that's tough love. And Kevin's taking it the right way and he's going about it the right way and he's working the right way."

Knox didn't end up appearing in the game against Philadelphia. It was the first time he logged a "Did Not Play - Coach's Decision" this season.

Fizdale cited "the flow of the game" as the reason Knox never left the bench, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

"But by no means is Kevin buried," the second-year Knicks coach added. "He's going to have to fight his way out of it. I got a lot of confidence that he will."

Playing roughly nine minutes fewer per night compared to his rookie season, it's no surprise Knox has seen his per-game statistical production drop off in the early portion of 2019-20.

There are also some signs of improvement within his more limited role, however. His effective field goal percentage has improved considerably while his assist and turnover rates are both trending in the right directions:

Knox's next opportunity to fight his way out of Fizdale's doghouse comes Sunday afternoon when the Knicks host the Boston Celtics.