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Knicks Rumors: New York hopeful David Fizdale can appeal to LeBron James

By Maxwell Ogden

MIAMI, FL - MAY 24: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates with assistant coach David Fizdale while playing the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2013 NBA Playoffs on May 24, 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 NBAE 2013 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MAY 24: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates with assistant coach David Fizdale while playing the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2013 NBA Playoffs on May 24, 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 NBAE 2013 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks hired David Fizdale to turn the franchise around, but there’s an underlying hope that he can bring LeBron James to The Mecca.

David Fizdale is the perfect storm of what and who you know. The New York Knicks hired Fizdale based off of his acumen on the court and the laundry list of endorsements from players, coaches, and executives around the NBA.

While the front office members aren’t exactly holding their breaths, there’s a sense of cautious optimism that Fizdale could appeal to one of the superstars he’s built a relationship with.

At 43 years of age, Fizdale has already spent 14 years as a coach in the NBA. In addition to holding the position of head coach with the Memphis Grizzlies, he was an assistant for the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat.

According Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks are prepared to clear cap space in the event that Fizdale can appeal to one of his former players: LeBron James.

"But after Thursday’s hiring of former Memphis head coach and Heat assistant David Fizdale, the Knicks are prepared to open salary-cap space this summer in the unlikely event they get an inkling LeBron James has some interest in coming to the Garden this summer, according to an NBA source."

Fizdale wasn’t hired for the exclusive reason of bringing James to the Knicks, but the fact the could at least get the four-time MVP on the phone is certainly appealing.

Fizdale has forged relationships with some of the biggest names in the NBA, including James and Dwyane Wade. He proved his coaching prowess in Memphis, as well, despite having a falling out with Marc Gasol that he takes his share of accountability for.

Knowing how close Fizdale is with James, it stands to reason that the four-time MVP could at least open his mind to playing the role of audience for the Knicks’ pitch.

It doesn’t mean New York will convince James to don the orange and blue, but simply securing a meeting would do wonders for the organization’s reputation.

The issue with the Knicks hasn’t necessarily been an inability to sign free agents; it’s been the struggle to simply secure meetings. Thats a direct result of the organization failing to appeal to free agents, due in large part to the franchise’s longstanding dysfunction.

By simply landing a meeting with James, the Knicks would send a powerful message to the rest of the NBA that the structure is sound.

Must Read: Five reasons to love the David Fizdale hiring

Thus, while signing LeBron James in free agency is unlikely, simply having the opportunity to meet with him would be progress for the New York Knicks.

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