After a report Monday suggested that Knicks head coach David Fizdale is being set up by team president Steve Mills as the "fall guy" for the team's struggles, the coach spoke highly of team executives.
Talking to the media at Monday's practice, Fizdale said he feels is comfortable with Mills and the front office.
"I haven't seen anything like that," Fizdale said of the ESPN report. "They've been very supportive of me."
Elaborating on why he felt that way, Fizdale said he hasn't been treated any differently than usual, as of late.
"Just the fact that we talk every day. We're in constant communication with each other. We're very raw with each other... good or bad. None of us have an ego about it. We're on the same page with where we're trying to get to," Fizdale said.
He also mentioned some incentive, too.
"Two-and-a-half year contract, that's my insurance," Fizdale added.
As SNY's Ian Begley reported Sunday, there is no indication that any executive or coach is getting fired in the next few days. But an in-season firing shouldn't be ruled out if the losing and non-competitive stretches continue, people familiar with the matter say. Begley also noted Fizdale's contract -- and the contracts of Mills and Perry -- as a potential factor in any decision.
After the Knicks' 2-8 start, which includes their recent 108-87 loss to the Cavs, Fizdale added that he's hoping his team goes undefeated over the course of their next 10 games. But the coach continued to harp on a reoccurring reason for his team's struggles.
"Consistency," Fizdale said. "We do things in spurts right now. I'd like to see us put together a complete game because when we do, we look pretty dang good."
The Knicks visit the Bulls for an 8 p.m. tip Tuesday. It'll be just another game day, Fizdale assured.
"No, no one puts more pressure on me than me," he said. "We're battling together."
