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Knicks Rumors: Nick Van Exel to join David Fizdale’s staff

By Maxwell Ogden

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Nick Van Exel looks on before an NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 4, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Nick Van Exel looks on before an NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 4, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale is in the process of building his staff. One name that’s expected to join him: Nick Van Exel.

With Steve Mills as team president, Scott Perry as general manager, and David Fizdale as head coach, the New York Knicks have built the foundation for stability. Having spent the past 17 years shrouded in mystery that was birthed by miscommunication, the Knicks are changing the culture.

As Fizdale prepares to bring stability to the most daunting position in the NBA, he’s crafting a coaching staff with some of his most trusted associates.

It was recently reported that Fizdale is expected to hire Keith Smart as one of his assistant coaches. Smart and Fizdale have coached together at multiple spots, including the latter’s stint as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Fizdale and the Knicks are expected to hire another familiar face as an assistant coach: Nick Van Exel.

"David Fizdale has said he’s just starting to build his staff but among the assistants expected on board is Nick Van Exel, multiple sources told the Daily News."

Van Exel is a former NBA player turned assistant coach who, like Smart, has experience working with Fizdale.

Selfishly, I’m excited to see one of the players who made me fall in love with basketball join the Knicks’ staff. Beyond my personal preferences, the 46-year-old has accumulated vast NBA experience between his playing and coaching days.

Between his 13-year playing career that included an All-Star Game appearance in 1998 and his five years as an assistant coach at the NBA level, Van Exel has gained immeasurable knowledge.

Van Exel has also held positions as head coach and assistant coach of the Texas Legends of the NBA G League, and assistant coach for the Texas Southern Tigers at the NCAA level.

The connection here is that Van Exel was a member of Fizdale’s coaching staff in Memphis. Their relationship remains strong on a professional level, which is one of the primary reasons he’s joining his peer in New York.

As for what fans can expect Van Exel to contribute, Fizdale had the following to say about the former All-Star back in April. Per Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated:

"“He is a basketball genius who sees the game two or three steps ahead. The way he views the game overall, he does a great job of stepping back and looking at the big picture. He is one of the best I’ve ever seen at developing a point guard and making him understand the responsibility.”"

For a Knicks team that has prioritized developing the likes of Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Frank Ntilikina, Van Exel could be a dream fit.

Must Read: Five sleeper wings to know in the 2018 NBA Draft

Barring an unforeseen development, it appears as though Nick Van Exel will be one of the next assistant coaches of the New York Knicks.

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