Fizdale was not only the Knicks' first choice, but also at the top of several other teams' coaching searchesNBAE/Getty Images
David Fizdale, the Knicks' "primary target from the start of the search process," has "agreed to a four-year deal" to become the team's next coach, according to sources cited by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com. Sources said that Fizdale on Thursday met with Knicks Owner James Dolan, who then "gave his approval" to President Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry to "enter into contract negotiations." Sources said that Fizdale will be back in N.Y. for an introductory press conference "early next week." Sources also noted that Fizdale was at the "top of several teams coaching searches," including the Hornets, Magic and Hawks. Knicks' Management "hopes that he can start to elevate a franchise that hasn't reached the playoffs in five seasons" (ESPN.com, 5/3). In N.Y., Marc Berman notes the feeling within the Knicks organization was Fizdale’s stint as Grizzlies coach was "upended prematurely." The Knicks’ first-year management team -- Mills and Perry -- felt that it was "vital the new coach had a connectivity with the players," something they believed former coach Jeff Hornacek "lacked." Sources said that Fizdale had "no issues regarding communication with the Grizzlies management" (N.Y. POST, 5/4). In N.Y., Mather & Andrews note Fizdale "spent the last several months doing broadcast work for ESPN" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/4). Also in N.Y., Stefan Bondy writes Fizdale "represented the safe choice by beating out Mark Jackson, Jerry Stackhouse, Mike Budenholzer and David Blatt" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/4). USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt notes Mills and Perry "interviewed a total of 11 candidates from various backgrounds and perspective" (USA TODAY, 5/4).
RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB: ESPN's Chauncey Billups said that Fizdale was "clearly the best choice." Billups: "They got the best coach on the market, in my opinion." ESPN's Jalen Rose said that Jackson would have been "just as good a choice," but that Fizdale is "going to be the 'right fit for New York.'" Rose: "He’ll be ready for the pressure that comes with the media, the fans and the expectations" (N.Y. POST, 5/4). In N.Y., Mike Vaccaro writes the Knicks "hired the right man." However, that "doesn’t fix everything" nor "guarantee anything." But hiring Fizdale is a "step in the right direction, a big step." This is a time of "profound change around the Knicks under Mills and Perry, who aren’t merely trying to change the culture that has strangled the franchise for 18 years but blow it up entirely" (N.Y. POST, 5/4). NBA TV’s Caron Butler said Fizdale is "well respected in the basketball world" and called the move a "great hire.” NBA TV’s Mike Fratello said the Knicks "needed a line of communication with the talent to make them understand, ‘We have a new culture now and it begins today, day one" (“NBA GameTime,” NBA TV, 5/3). THE RINGER's Haley O'Shaughnessy wrote Heat President and former Knicks coach Pat Riley’s "hard-nosed defensive sensibilities have rubbed off on Fizdale, which should be a positive for the Knicks going forward." There is once again "reason for excitement" at MSG. Rather than "hiring someone to fit the old Knicks mold, the front office took a step forward" (THERINGER.com, 5/3).
STILL WORK TO DO: SI.com's Rohan Nadkarni wrote the Knicks "made a smart, forward-thinking hire." The concern is "hiring someone like Fizdale won’t cure the Knicks’ ills overnight." Nadkarni: "Will James Dolan continue not to meddle in basketball decisions? Will the front office show some restraint in handing out contracts to veterans?" (SI.com, 5/3). SNY’s Jon Hein said, “This is the guy I would have taken. … He’s young, he can communicate with young players, the Knicks and Knicks fans should be excited.” SNY’s Sal Licata: “I'm glad it wasn’t Mark Jackson. I would have gone with Jerry Stackhouse, have him learn as the team learns as well. I like Fizdale but does it matter who the head coach of the Knicks is? It’s not in the spot where we can say, ‘Okay, they have the head coach, now they will get over the hump.’" (“Loud Mouths,” SNY, 5/3). ESPN’s Michelle Beadle said of the Knicks hiring David Fizdale as their new head coach, “It’s a questionable-at-best gig and a tough situation to walk into, but if there is anyone that can handle it in the spotlight and what comes with New York City, it’s Fiz.” (“Get Up!,” ESPN, 5/4).
KING SIZE MOVE? The POST's Berman notes Knicks' brass has pointed toward the summer of '19, when it plans to be "ready to make a free-agent splash." But sources said that 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." James is a "big fan of Fizdale," who was a Heat assistant coach from '08-16, including "all four of James’ seasons there" (N.Y. POST, 5/4). In N.Y., Frank Isola writes Fizdale "at least puts the Knicks in the room with LeBron" either this summer or in '19. Fizdale got along "just swimmingly" with James and Dwyane Wade, but that was as an assistant. It is "easy to play the good cop in that role" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/4). Isola also said the Knicks "liked the fact that he does have relationships with some A-list players" including James (“Golic & Wingo,” ESPN Radio, 5/4).
