Knicks Officially Introduce David Fizdale as New Head Coach

The Knicks announced the hiring of David Fizdale Monday after agreeing to terms with the former Memphis Grizzlies coach last week

What to Know

  • The Knicks announced the hiring of David Fizdale Monday after agreeing to terms with the former Memphis Grizzlies coach last week
  • The former Memphis Grizzlies coach replaces Jeff Hornacek, who was fired last month after two seasons
  • Fizdale now becomes the 11th Knicks coach since Jeff Van Gundy resigned in the 2001-02 season

David Fizdale has been hired as coach of the Knicks, saying he is hoping to "build the type of winning team the passionate fans of New York will be proud of."

The Knicks announced the hiring Monday after agreeing to terms with the former Memphis Grizzlies coach last week. Fizdale was officially introduced at a news conference Tuesday.

Fizdale went 50-51 with the Grizzlies, leading them to the postseason in his only full season before getting fired early last year after clashing with star center Marc Gasol. He becomes the 29th coach in franchise history, hoping to lead the Knicks out of what is now a five-year postseason drought.

He replaces Jeff Hornacek, who lasted two seasons in New York before getting fired hours after the season finale.

The Knicks cited Fizdale's leadership, experience and expertise in player development in a news release announcing the hiring. Fizdale spent eight years as an assistant in Miami, helping the Heat win two NBA titles.

"I appreciate the enormous responsibility it is to coach the Knicks and am ready to give my all to build the type of winning team the passionate fans of New York will be proud of," he said in the release.

Fizdale, 43, also was an assistant for four seasons in Atlanta and one in Golden State.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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