New York Knicks: 5 candidates to replace Jeff Hornacek as head coach
3. David Fizdale
David Fizdale will be one more the most popular names in coaching circles this offseason. His firing as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies came as a big surprise. The team was on an eight-game losing streak, and he reportedly had a rift with their best player, Marc Gasol. In the end, the player was chosen over the coach.
Fizdale is popular among NBA players. He was an assistant coach with the Miami Heat during their Big 3 years, so he has experience working with different personalities. In his one season with the Grizzlies, he led them to a 43-39 record, qualifying for the postseason.
Fizdale also provided one of the most memorable quotes from the 2016-17 season following a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of their playoff series.
The Knicks would be getting a passionate coach who is respected around the league. Given that, and his experience as an assistant coach, Fizdale would fit the bill as someone that understands today’s players. That connection is something that Perry and Mills are looking for in their next coach.