Memphis Grizzlies: 5 candidates to replace David Fizdale as head coach
1. Jeff Van Gundy
Arguably no coaching candidate on the market can boast a resume as accomplished as Jeff Van Gundy. He ranks 40th in league history with 430 wins, compiled over 11 seasons with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
More from Hoops Habit
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
Since last coaching in 2007, Van Gundy has stayed heavily engaged with the NBA in his role as a broadcaster for ESPN. He has demonstrated both in the booth and in various other outlets — he is a frequent guest on the “Lowe Post” podcast with ESPN‘s Zach Lowe — that his grasp of the modern game is up-to-date.
Van Gundy has recently dipped his toe back into the coaching waters, heading up the USA Basketball men’s team qualifying. New rules have shifted qualifying into the middle of the NBA season, and therefore Van Gundy has been leading a team of G League players into international competition.
Despite their lack of experience and high-end talent, Van Gundy is undefeated in international play. Team USA under his guidance went 5-0 at the FIBA AmeriCup, including a thrilling 20-point comeback in the gold medal game. More recently, the team reconvened to play the first two games for World Cup qualifying over the Thanksgiving weekend, winning both games.
Jeff Van Gundy should be near or at the top of the list for almost any team, but especially one with all of its cards on the table like Memphis. This Grizzlies team has two options: maintain or tear down. They have made it clear they will avoid the second option at all costs, which means they need an accomplished coach who can step in and help this team stay relevant for as long as possible.
Next: 2017-18 Week 7 NBA Power Rankings
Any of the coaches on this list could do that, but none as well as Van Gundy. From his point of view the Grizzlies may be a team trending in the wrong direction. But if he’s willing, the Grizzlies should at the very least reach out. At this point they haven’t left themselves with many other options.