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New York Knicks: Erik Spoelstra endorses David Fizdale

By Maxwell Ogden

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat speaks with assistant coach David Fizdale while playing the San Antonio Spurs during Game One of the 2013 NBA Finals on June 6, 2013 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat speaks with assistant coach David Fizdale while playing the San Antonio Spurs during Game One of the 2013 NBA Finals on June 6, 2013 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are reportedly high on free agent coach David Fizdale. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra endorsed Fizdale for the job.

As the New York Knicks inch closer to hiring a new head coach, one name continues to surface as an early favorite: David Fizdale. A longtime assistant coach with experience in the lead position, Fizdale has earned a significant amount of clout in NBA circles.

As the Knicks weigh their options, a high-profile head coach has made it a point to publicly endorse Fizdale for the position.

Fizdale was head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies for parts of two seasons. Prior to that tenure, he spent 13 years as an assistant coach in the NBA, featuring runs with the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra endorsed his former assistant as a strategist, communicator, and overall talent.

"“Fiz is a great fit anywhere. 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.”"

Spoelstra may be perceived as a biased individual due to his relationship with Fizdale, but it’s high praise nonetheless for a viable Knicks candidate.

Fizdale led Memphis to a 43-39 record and a postseason appearance during the 2016-17 NBA season. The Grizzlies ranked No. 6 in the NBA in defensive rating, improved its offensive rating by 2.1 points per 100 possessions, and saw career years from Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

Fizdale was dismissed after just 19 games in 2017-18, due in large part to the fractured relationship between he and Gasol.

Many have since jumped to his defense, however, including Cleveland Cavaliers superstar and eternal Knicks free agency dream target LeBron James.

During his 15-year career, Fizdale has coached the likes of James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Jason Richardson. It’s also worth noting that Fizdale was an assistant coach on the Heat teams that James helped win back-to-back NBA championships.

With experience in managing egos and a strong enough track record to somewhat dismiss the Memphis drama, Fizdale is an appealing option.

Must Read: Outside the box candidates to be the next head coach

The question is: Will the New York Knicks add a new element to the rivalry with the Miami Heat by hiring David Fizdale as head coach?

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