Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |
Clippers coach Doc Rivers hopes Knicks management gives interim head coach Mike Miller the support that David Fizdale didn't have.
Rivers on Sunday criticized Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry for failing to support Fizdale, citing the post-game press conference from the front office after the Knicks fell to 2-8.
"That was bad," Rivers said before his Clippers hosted the Knicks on Sunday. "I think we all know that."
Mills and Perry addressed the media after the Knicks' blowout loss to Cleveland, presumably at the request of owner James Dolan.
Rivers said Fizdale 'didn't stand a chance' after Mills and Perry's press conference.
It's rare for executives to talk about their teams in a post-game setting and the press conference made it clear that Fizdale's job was in jeopardy. He was fired after the Knicks fell to 4-18 following blowout losses to Milwaukee and Denver.
"I was disappointed. I'm always disappointed. I thought he was in a tough spot. Some of the comments that were made (in the press conference), that he didn't make - Like he didn't stand a chance," Rivers said. "I've been very fortunate as a coach, been lucky quite honestly, where I've had the backing through thick or thin. I told David that."
Rivers credited Knicks interim coach Mike Miller for the job he's done since taking over. The Knicks were 6-7 under Miller prior to Sunday's game against the Clippers.
"Mike's done an amazing job, he really has," Rivers said. "I hope now that he's coaching, he can get that (support). I think it's important for us. I really do."
Rivers talked about the importance of management supporting its coach. Mills, Perry and Fizdale appeared to be in lock step during Fizdale's first season. The Knicks failed to land their top targets in free agency and failed to meet internal expectations with their new class of free agents. Fizdale was fired by Mills and Perry amid the slow start.