New York Knicks: 5 likely head coaching candidates to replace Fizdale

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks reacts while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 06, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 122-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks reacts while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 06, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 122-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Tyronn Lue, assistant coach, LA Clippers

Tyronn Lue has not been linked to the New York Knicks, but when you’re one of only five living coaches who (a) has won an NBA title in the last 30 years (b) is not currently a head coach in the NBA and (c) is the only one of the five younger than 70, it makes sense Lue would be on a shortlist.

Lue, 42, rejoined the LA Clippers this season after going 128-83 over parts of four seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers from January 2016 through October 2018. Lue took over for David Blatt at the halfway point in 2015-16 and guided Cleveland to its first NBA championship, returning to the Finals two more times before LeBron James left to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lue was fired after an 0-6 start last season.

The other coaches, by the way, on the list of five living coaches with rings are Rudy Tomjanovich (age 70), Phil Jackson (age 74), Pat Riley (age 74) and Larry Brown (age 79).

Lue has been coaching in the NBA since joining Doc Rivers‘ staff with the Boston Celtics in 2011. He went with Rivers to the Clippers in 2013 before being named associate head coach of the Cavs under Blatt in 2014.

The knock on Lue — at least from a fan’s perspective — is that James tends to get credit for the 2016 NBA title as the Finals MVP, de facto coach and de facto general manager, despite the latter two not being entirely accurate.