Former New York Knicks player Shawne Williams supports David Fizdale’s vision

New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale is very popular amongst many players in the league. Shawne Williams, a former player under Fizdale and Knicks alum, shared his thoughts.

The BIG3 made the annual visit to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY over the weekend showcasing the best NBA alumni playing three on three basketball professionally. Former New York Knicks forward Shawne Williams currently plays for the BIG3’s “Bivouac” team spoke with Empire Writes Back about returning to play in New York and his relationship with David Fizdale.

After spending some time with the Knicks and Nets during your NBA career, did you develop a connection with the New York fanbase that carries over to your current role in the BIG3? 

"“Most definitely once you step foot in New York or New Jersey your gonna always have connections, especially with the Knicks fans. The year I played was the year we went to the playoffs and got swept but that was the first time going to the playoffs in a decade and I remember that year Amar’e (Stoudemire) was going on a tear, we traded for Melo (Carmelo Anthony) that was a big season. Coming back up here rekindled flames and brought back a lot of memories.”"

How do you feel about the current direction the Knicks are moving heading into next season?

"“I played in Miami, my last year in the league, Fizdale was the assistant coach great guy, a great coach and he has a gift of getting talent out of younger players and developing them so I have a lot of confidence in this team, like they may not have a big name but one thing I know for a fact is Fizdale is gonna make those kids play hard, they gonna win more games than people think.”"

Are you considering a return to the NBA? 

"“A lot of people don’t say it, but everybody is trying to get back there. The NBA has kinda shaken up this year where there’s no more big three teams to teams trying to win so a lot of veterans can ease back. I actually participated in the workouts with Monta Ellis and Stoudemire that just happened in Las Vegas at the Cox Pavillion. It was a good workout probably about 16 teams came, and I believe we have another one lined up all veterans. Guys like Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and others still have it in the tank that is supposed to be out there but the landscape of the league kinda shunned a lot of us out but now that things have changed a lot more GM”s on teams gonna try and steal ten more wins this year instead of taking all the young players.”"

The former Knicks forward looks to join Stoudemire at a possible return to the NBA and his keen insight on the league could help him secure a role on a team in need of a veteran presence.