Knicks Rumors: Five rumored candidates to replace Jeff Hornacek

David Fizdale

A floating idea exists around the NBA is that David Fizdale was the scapegoat for the Memphis Grizzlies. Years of frustration with the front office boiled over for franchise player Marc Gasol, and it was Fizdale who was caught in the crosshairs.

Fizdale is still regarded as one of the most promising coaches in the NBA, however, and the New York Knicks are expected to have interest in him.

Fizdale has earned a significant measure of clout in NBA circles. A former assistant for the two-time NBA champion Miami Heat, Fizdale has connections to influential figures such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Pat Riley, and Erik Spoelstra.

According to Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, Fizdale has emerged as a potential candidate to take over as head coach of the Knicks.

"…Dave Fizdale all have something in common besides NBA head coaching experience and being candidates in New York should the Knicks make a change on the bench this offseason. In one way or another, good and bad, the five men have a connection to, yes, LeBron James. And don’t think the Knicks front office hasn’t at least considered/fantasized how one move could potentially lead to the other."

Fizdale may have seen his tenure with the Grizzlies come to an unceremonious end, but he’s neither out of sight nor out of mind.

Fizdale led Memphis to a 43-39 record during an injury-plagued 2016-17 campaign. After the front office went through another offseason of failing to provide Mike Conley and Gasol with the ideal supporting firepower, however, Fizdale became the scapegoat.

In New York, Fizdale would have an opportunity to play for an organization that would support him in a far stronger manner than Memphis.