David Fizdale has only been the head coach at the New York Knicks for almost two weeks, but he has already given his verdict on the future of one of the team's most talked about players, Enes Kanter.

Back on May 7, Fizdale was named as the new head coach of the Knicks, signing a four-year deal with the organization. Despite not being in the job for long, he's already being asked about the future of some of his players.

For the past couple of months, reports have suggested that Kanter leaning toward opting out of his current $18.6 million player option in New York to seek a long-term deal this summer, however, he is yet to make an official decision on his future.

Speaking to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, Fizdale was asked to comment on the future of Kanter with the Knicks and if he would still be with the team next season, to which the new head coach said the following:

“As of today, he’s ours. That’s how I look at it. He’s a Knick. Until I’m notified otherwise. He could have been fooling me but he seemed excited and like he’s really looking forward to this fresh start. The guy’s a heck of a player and he fits the toughness part of what we’re talking about.”

Fizdale is certainly making sure Kanter is feeling wanted, which could play a huge effect on the decision he will be making about his future this summer. The center has reportedly expressed a desire to stay with the Knicks despite the fact he wants to opt out of his current deal, so these kind words by his new head coach are only going to encourage him to stay put.

Fizdale's comments will go a long way towards building a relationship with the new players he will now have to manage, but team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry will play a huge role in the outcome of Kanter's future. 

The Knicks have played a more conservative approach in the front office since Mills and Perry took over, which could hinder any chances of Kanter getting the long-term deal he's looking for this summer with the Knicks. Fizdale's comments could have no effect at all on Kanter's future if Mills and Perry don't have him in their future plans for the franchise.

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