After interviewing 11 candidates, the New York Knicks have hired a new head coach. David Fizdale will take the reins on a four-year deal.
The New York Knicks have completed the process that left fans restless and writers without a direction to consistently follow. More importantly: New York has finally provided its players with a leader who will guide them into the future.
After interviewing 11 different candidates, the Knicks ultimately made the decision to hire former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
David Fizdale has agreed to a deal to become the New York Knicks coach, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2018
The contract that Fizdale has signed with the Knicks will bring him to New York for four seasons.
Fizdale will sign a four-year contract with the Knicks, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/BPIDb3Jloh
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2018
This may not have been the hire that most expected, but it’s one that fits what the Knicks claimed to be looking for.
Fizdale, 43, is a young coach with NBA experience and the ability to develop relationships with his players. He was unable to find common ground with his lone franchise player as a head coach, but many around the NBA believe that to be more of an aberration than a future expectation.
That’s due in large part to the fact that Fizdale did an excellent job of building connections with his players during his 13 years as an assistant coach.
That combination of youth, experience, and an ability to fortify relationships with one’s players appears to be what Steve Mills and Scott Perry prioritized during this search.
In his lone full season as a head coach, Fizdale led the Grizzlies to the 2017 NBA Playoffs with a record of 43-39. Memphis overcame injuries to key role players and extended their streak to seven consecutive seasons with a postseason appearance.
Fizdale was fired after just 19 games during the 2017-18 campaign, but it’s worth noting that injuries played a significant factor in Memphis’ 7-12 start. It’s also pertanent that Gasol had years of pent up frustration with an organization that long failed to provide him with adequate support.
That ultimately resulted in the widespread belief that Fizdale simply got the short end of the stick.
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Welcome to the New York Knicks, David Fizdale. Your shot at redemption has officially begun.