Fizdale hopes change of perception will help Knicks attract free agents

The New York Knicks have struggled to sign star free agents in recent years, and new head coach David Fizdale is working to change that.

"It's much more about the perception of the organization," said Fizdale, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman. "What I think we've done together with (president Steve Mills) and (general manager Scott Perry), Mr. Dolan and myself, and all our staff is we changed the perception of how we operate and treat each other and what's important."

Fizdale believes that improving the club's reputation is the first step to enticing free agents to sign with New York.

The team sits 8-17 entering Friday's action, though the 44-year-old believes that record isn't a fair reflection of the organization's current state, especially in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis.

Fizdale notes the team's bond and playing style as selling points for players on the open market.

"When they see we have a really tight ship, really take care of our guys, our guys get better and get a lot of attention. We have something free agents will like," said Fizdale.

"I get a lot of people (telling me) just what people think about us, how hard our kids play, the fact that we have a no-quit attitude, obviously Scott and Steve have great reputations with different people around the league, and hopefully my relationships will be another way to come and bring it all together."

Center Enes Kanter echoed the statements made by his head coach.

"With all this new front office, with the coach and everything, it definitely changes," Kanter said. "If you see the moves, see the pieces have changed, you see all the young guys have come in and everything, I think it's definitely changing. It's definitely going to a good destination."