Former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale is perceived to be the favorite for the New York Knicks vacant head coaching job, but there are concerns about how his tenure with the Grizzlies ended.
Fizdale was largely forced out due to repeated clashes he had with Marc Gasol, but the Knicks aren't worried about any communication problems that Fizdale is perceived to have, according to ESPN's Ian Begley.
Knicks coaching candidate David Fizdale was integral to the Miami Heat's success as an assistant and did well in Memphis during his short stint as head coach there. But he was reportedly let go amid an early-season losing streak and a poor relationship with star Marc Gasol. That will likely be a topic of conversation when Fizdale interviews with Knicks management, though one Memphis source with knowledge of the situation says the situation shouldn't be viewed as a demerit for Fizdale. If he's as strong a communicator as Erik Spoelstra says, that will likely go a long way with NYK management.
Fizdale has a reputation for being one of the better coaches in the league, which stems from his time as an assistant for the Miami Heat from 2008-2016 under head coach Erik Spoelstra.
"Fiz is a great fit anywhere," Spoelstra said. "He's a brilliant basketball mind that has exceptional, gold-standard level communication skills. He's one of my best friends. But I say that objectively. I just think he's one of the most talented coaches I've been around. I feel very grateful that we had an opportunity to work together for so long. I just, I hope he goes West (laughs). That's the kind of respect I have for him. I don't want him going anywhere in the East."
Fizdale went 50-51 in 101 games as head coach of the Grizzlies before being fired 19 games into this season.
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