Reports coming from Yahoo Sports Adrian Wojnarowski indicate that Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale, will be the new head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. Fizdale has agreed on a four-year deal and will replace David Joerger. Details of the deal indicate that Fizdale’s fourth year will be a team option.
David Fizdale has reached agreement on a four-year deal to become head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) May 26, 2016
Dave Fizdale’s Previous Coaching Experience
Fizdale’s main role in Miami under head coach Erik Spoelstra was game preparation. Fizdale also coached the Miami Heat summer league team in 2010 and 2012. Fizdale has spent time with the Golden State Warriors (2003/04) and then went on to coach for four years with the Atlanta Hawks. Fizdale has plenty of experience with good organisations. Becoming a head coach is a brand new experience for Fizdale, but one he hopes to enjoy for the foreseeable future.
Who Did Fizdale Beat To Get The Job
Fizdale was one of seven coaches up for consideration by the Grizzlies organisation. Patrick Ewing, Lionel Hollins and Frank Vogel were the headliners on Memphis’s list of candidates. Vogel found a home with the Orlando Magic, but Hollins and Ewing are still looking for a head coaching job.
What’s Going On In Memphis
Fizdale’s predecessor David Joerger was hired by the Sacramento Kings, as little as two days after being fired by the Grizzlies. Many believed Joerger was unfairly dismissed by Memphis, due to the team still making the playoffs. The Grizzlies were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. The Grizzlies finished the NBA regular season with a 42-40 record under Joerger. The teams season was plagued with injuries to several key players. Star center Marc Gasol‘s season ended in February after the big man broke his right foot. Soon to be free agent point guard Mike Conley, also had his season end due to injury. Conley will very likely leave this summer.
One of Fizdale’s first big decisions to make in Memphis, will be to decide if maverick shooting guard Lance Stephenson will have his option exercised. Fizdale and general manager Chris Wallace will need to think long and hard on whether or not to take what can only be described as a risk for the Grizzlies.
A Fresh Start For The Grizz
So as a new era begins in Memphis, fans should be optimistic about the teams future. A fresh start for a franchise that has looked stale in recent seasons. It’s to early to tell if Fizdale is the guy to achieve great things in Memphis, but at least the Grizzlies and the fans in Memphis have a future to look forward to.
Main Photo: Dec 10, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Heat assistant head coach David Fizdale during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
