New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale is now starting to build his coaching staff. Recently, he got Nick Van Exel as an assistant, as reported by the New York Daily News.

After his career as a player in the NBA, Van Excel went on to take several coaching posts. He became as an assistant with the Hawks and Bucks before joining Fizdale bench in Memphis. He stayed with the Grizzlies under J.B. Bickerstaff after Fizdale was fired.

Fizdale said several months ago that Van Exel is basketball genius who sees the play two or three steps ahead. As reported by Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Fizdale said:

“He has head coaching experience. He is a basketball genius who sees the game two or three steps ahead. The way he views the game overall, he does a great job of stepping back and looking at the big picture. He is one of the best I’ve ever seen at developing a point guard and making him understand the responsibility. His disposition is perfect for the seat. He’s genuine, he communicates well and is super organized.”

Fizdale was recently named the head coach of the Knicks. To recall, he was fired early in the season by the Memphis Grizzlies. The incident caused quite a stir as he is regarded as one of the better coaches in the NBA. On his hiring, Fizdale said per Knicks.com:

“I am honored and humbled to join the Knicks as head coach,” said Fizdale. “I want to sincerely thank Jim, Steve and Scott for this tremendous opportunity. I appreciate the enormous responsibility it is to coach the Knicks and am ready to give my all to build the type of winning team the passionate fans of New York will be proud of.”