NBA Free Agency: Grading This Offseason's 9 Head Coach Hirings So Far

New York Knicks - David Fizdale to replace Jeff Hornacek

Fizdale being introduced as Knicks head coach

Past experience: Fizdale served as assistant coach for the Warriors for the 2003-2004 season, assistant for the Hawks from 2004 to 2008, assistant for Miami from 2008 to 2016, and head coach of the Grizzlies from 2016 to early into the 2017-18 NBA season. As an assistant for the Heat, he was part of the two championships in 2012 and 2013.

How will he fit: David Fizdale is very popular among players. He is considered as one of the best player-coaches in the league, as shown with the players who expressed their shock when he was fired. As a head coach, Fizdale did lead Memphis to the first year, however, his limited experience may prove to be a problem.

New York is one of the toughest places to coach. The team's fanbase is impatient and has experienced limited success in past years. There will be pressure on Fizdale, not as much pressure as it could be since the team is still trying to assemble and develop a roster to make the playoffs. Fizdale has already shown his player-coach personality, as he brought some of his players to a finals game this year. The players will love it, it's up to him to see if the fans will too.

Grade: B