Knicks' David Fizdale: I'll Build Bond with Kristaps Porzingis 'Step-by-Step'

New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale isn't going to waste any time getting to know Kristaps Porzingis. 

During an appearance on ESPN's coverage of the 2018 NBA Draft Combine, Fizdale went through his "step-by-step" plan to forge a relationship with the 22-year-old.

"I won't skip a step," Fizdale said, via ESPN.com's Ian Begley. "I'll spend a ton of time with he and his family. I want to hear their experience and what they see going forward for Kristaps, and how I can interject and help him in any way become what I think he can be, which is an MVP-caliber player."

It's unclear at this point when Porzingis will be ready to play. The 2017-18 All-Star tore his left ACL during a Feb. 6 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Knicks general manager Scott Perry told reporters Wednesday there is no timetable for Porzingis to return, but the team would have a better idea in the coming months. 

"You talk to most medical doctors, you really can't pinpoint how many months it's going to be," Perry said. "[You have] a better estimate six, seven months out after surgery is completed. So who knows when that will be?"

Begley reported in February that Porzingis will likely be sidelined for 10 months, which would put him on track to return in December or January. 

Porzingis is entering the last guaranteed year of his rookie contract before he can become a restricted free agent. He led the Knicks with 22.7 points per game last season. 

Fizdale will embark on his first season as New York's head coach. Jeff Hornacek was fired at the end of the 2017-18 season after going 60-104 in two years with the team.