In a move frowned upon by many league players, coaches, and NBA fans, the Grizzlies fired coach David Fizdale last November. This was after a string of losses and what seems to be irreconcilable differences with its star Marc Gasol. In any case, the reasons Memphis management gave don’t add up.
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Image source: nypost.com
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In the wake of another firing, that of the Knicks’ Jeff Hornacek, the team has hired Fizdale to take the helm in New York. Getting Fizdale is a move that’s lauded by many; his coaching style is gritty and reminiscent of Gregg Popovich. Conversely, he also believes in maintaining relationships with players and their families outside the court.
At 44, Fizdale is relatively young for a coach and still occasionally dons rapper shirts. But he does not mince his words during game time. He’s not afraid to bench superstars for poor play: clearly, an issue that didn’t sit well with the ego of certain players in Memphis. He also has an excellent track record as assistant coach in various league teams before a decent 50-51 win-loss coaching stint in Memphis.
All in all, Fizdale’s hiring is a great move for a Knicks franchise keen on rebuilding via its young talents in Kristaps Porzingis, Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr, and its two draft picks, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson. And fans are not complaining. He should be able to bring order in the madness and, hopefully, bring New York back to the playoffs in 2019.
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Image source: theundefeated.com
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Hi, Christopher Halajian here, from Mattiuck, Long Island. For a few years, I lived in Rhode Island as well, but my loyalty to New York sports teams has never wavered. More reads about sports in the Big Apple here.
