NBA

David Fizdale’s post-firing advice could unlock Julius Randle

PORTLAND, Ore. — Julius Randle adored former Knicks coach David Fizdale off the court. Their wives were also close.

It was an emotional moment when Randle, who was taking photos for a Christmas card with his wife and son at his home on Friday, found out Fizdale was axed.

Fizdale called Randle and gave him a strong message: Make sure to bond with interim coach Mike Miller.

So far, so good as Miller is trying some new things to unlock Randle, who is off to an inauspicious start after signing a 3-year, $63 million deal July 1.

“Even in the short time we were together, our relationship is deeper than basketball,’’ Randle said before the Knicks faced Carmelo Anthony and the Blazers on Tuesday at Moda Center. “He cared about me as a man. He did a great job of that, caring about me as a human being.

“But you got to move on, man. We got 59 games left. We got to improve and get better. We can’t worry about what happened in the past. Fiz, he’ll be OK. I’ll continue to have a relationship with him. But Mike Miller is our coach and we’ll continue to buy into what he’s saying and make sure everyone buys in and gets the most out of this season.’’

The prior two days, Miller staged practices on the Nike campus in nearby Beaverton and added some wrinkles, trying to get Randle more room to operate. With Fizdale utilizing him as a point forward, Randle was erratic, sometimes dribbling too much and spinning into traffic, resulting in too many turnovers.

Julius Randle
Julius RandlePaul J. Bereswill

His 3-point stroke also is off as he’s floundering at 23.8 percent. He’s averaging 16.7 points — down from his career year in New Orleans last season of 21.4 ppg.

Miller to the rescue?

“Has the new coaching changed the way I play?’’ Randle said. “My approach doesn’t change. We’re doing a few different things. A little bit different positions in the short time we’ve had the coaching change. There’s a little bit more movement, spacing, that type of stuff. New sets, stuff like that. Trying to open up things a little bit more.”

Asked if he’s hopeful more room will exist in the paint, where the 6-foot-9 power forward excels, Randle chimed, “Yeah, I hope so, man. I hope so. I just got to keep working through this process.”

Randle, who turned 25 two weeks ago, doesn’t want to imply Fizdale was not working hard to make things better for him in his first season as a Knick.

“It’s good now, but Fiz did a great job too trying to make adjustments,’’ Randle said. “Coach Mike is doing an amazing job with the opportunity he has. Being put in the position he’s put in, he’s done an amazing job. Guys are responding and buying in.”

And Randle made the point that Fizdale encouraged him to embrace Miller’s approach. The Knicks entered the Blazers match on a nine-game losing streak and playing the second game since the Fizdale firing.

“He always cared about me as a person,’’ Randle said. “He said we’re going to continue to talk, but told me to buy into what coach Miller is saying. He believed in him. He was on his staff. He told me to buy into what coach is saying and make sure you have a relationship with him. That’s what I’m trying to do.’’

Miller was impressed by Randle’s first game Saturday and the energy he showed on defense, even if he missed that last-second free throw in the one-point loss to the Pacers. Tuesday, the former Kentucky forward figured to be matched up a lot against Anthony, who is now a power forward in the new NBA. Randle was in a joking mood about the matchup.

“I got a plan, but not going to tell you,” he said. “The plan’s going to work. He’s not going to score. It’s going to be crazy. He’s not going to score one time. What is he? Top 13 in points? It’s going to be his first scoreless game ever.’’

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