After a 29-53 record and failing to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, the New York Knicks fired head coach Jeff Hornacek at the conclusion of the 2017-18 NBA season. Even before the Knicks ultimately made the decision, there was a list of head coaches they were reportedly interested in.
One of the names is former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale. After leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs in his first season, Memphis fired him just 19 games into this season. Considered one of the best head coaches available, Fizdale will interview next week with the Knicks according to Stefan Bondy of New York Daily News:
David Fizdale, considered by some as a leading candidate for the Knicks’ vacant coaching position, is scheduled to interview next week with the team.
In addition, Fizdale will also be interviewing with the Phoenix Suns next week:
The 43-year-old revealed that news to reporters in Oakland on Friday while visiting a buddy, Steve Kerr, at a Warriors practice. Fizdale said he's also interviewing with the Suns for their vacant position next week.
After trading Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks finally embraced rebuilding around Kristaps Porzingis. Before suffering a torn ACL, the 22-year-old showed he was capable of being the team's first option, averaging 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 48 appearances. While he is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2018-19 season, New York's vacant coaching position will be extremely attractive because of him.
Along with Fizdale, the Knicks have already been linked with former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt, former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson, and Raptors 905 head coach Jerry Stackhouse. Regardless of who the Knicks pick, the priority must be providing Porzingis and company stability at the head coaching position.
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