David Fizdale to Visit Kristaps Porzingis in Latvia, Show Film of Kevin Knox

New York Knicks coach David Fizdale plans to travel to Latvia to meet with forward Kristaps Porzingis later this month. 

"It's going to be a big part of the next step to show him the big picture," Fizdale said, per Marc Berman of the New York Post. "How I want to utilize him, coach him, start building a relationship with him, a bond with him, a connection with him."

Fizdale said he wants to show Porzingis film on how he wants to utilize the All-Star big man and of rookie Kevin Knox, who starred in summer league. Knox's ascent was one of the biggest stories from Las Vegas, as Knicks fans have already begun dreaming of what their new frontcourt duo can do together.

Porzingis is currently recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss most (if not all) of the 2018-19 season. Berman's report says Christmas is the "earliest" Porzingis could possibly return, though that seems unlikely.

Knox will probably play some small-ball 4 with Porzingis out of the lineup, potentially opening up the freedom to play the latter at the 5 when he returns. Knox and Porzingis at the two big spots would open the floor wide for the Knicks, and Fizdale said he even wants them running pick-and-rolls.

"I see they will complement each other very well," Fizdale said in Vegas. "That's not a bad pick-and-roll to run—a KK-Porzingis pick-and-roll."

Most teams would likely switch off that pick-and-roll, but Knox and Porzingis both have the size and shooting ability to make it a lethal pairing. Any amount of space, and they could use their length to get a quick shot off. Knox has also shown an aptitude handling the ball.

"I did pretty well, I handled the ball on the pick-and-roll, showed people I could shoot the ball," Knox said. "I'm probably getting a little stronger, working more on finishing. I'm getting by a lot of guys and being able to get to the basket, I want to be able to finish when I get there."

Porzingis' recovery is the key here, but the Knicks could have a pair of true building blocks to help lure free agents next summer if Fizdale has his way.