Grizzlies assistant Keith Smart is expected to become a top assistant on David Fizdale’s staff with the Knicks, tweets ESPN’s Ian Begley. Smart was an assistant with Fizdale for two years in Miami and came to Memphis with him when he was hired as head coach in 2016.
Smart, who appeared in just two NBA games as a player, began his coaching career in 2000. He has also been an assistant with the Cavaliers, Warriors and Kings and eventually became head coach of all three franchises, compiling a 93-170 career record.
J.B. Bickerstaff, who recently had his interim tag removed by the Grizzlies, has started interviewing potential replacements in anticipation of Smart’s departure, according to Begley.
There’s more today from New York:
- Fizdale met Friday with Janis Porzingis, the older brother and agent for Kristaps Porzingis, relays Frank Isola of The New York Daily News. Fizdale is hoping to travel to Latvia this summer to talk with the Knicks’ star, who is currently rehabbing his left knee in Spain. Fizdale is working to repair a damaged relationship, Isola adds, as Porzingis has been losing faith in the front office, the Knicks’ medical staff and former coach Jeff Hornacek. In Friday’s meeting, Fizdale reportedly addressed his issues with Marc Gasol in Memphis and a reputation that he doesn’t deal well with foreign-born players.
- Pat Delany, who also worked with Fizdale in Miami, could be another addition to the coaching staff, Isola adds. Delany has been with the Hornets the past four seasons.
- Small forward is an obvious position of need for the Knicks, but they plan to approach the ninth pick in this year’s draft with a best-player-available philosophy, writes Chris Iseman of NorthJersey.com. Wing players Miles Bridges and Kevin Knox met with the Knicks during the draft combine, but so did point guards Collin Sexton and Trae Young, even though New York drafted Frank Ntilikina in the first round last year. “There’s no secret that we can use help on the wing,” GM Scott Perry said. “But at the end of the day I think we’re still in that talent-acquisition mode. If that happens to be at No. 9 a wing player, great. If we feel the most talented guy clearly is at another position then we got to look at that direction as well.”
I don’t like this new Knicks management, what have they done that has been impressive? They gave Hardaway 72 million, Fizdale was not the right coach to develop this young team. The last thing they should be seeking is a guard, you draft Mikal Bridges or Miles Bridges that’s it. Ntilkina is the starting guard next season period.
Facts i agree with u on this one
I mean geez Golden State gives out the blueprint to succeed and teams are not following. You draft well,develop, and if you can get your hands on a top level free agent you’ll have a title contender. Simple, they drafted Porzingis, they drafted Frank, so draft Mikal and develop and in 2 years they’ll have a playoff team or maybe sooner.
Right. If you knew the blueprint you might be inclined to follow it.
The guy hasn’t coached one game and they inherited Hornacek. Hang in there and give them a chance. I am cautiously optimistic. Us Knicks fans are an abused fan base. But I remain hopeful.
I just don’t see the point in David flying out to Latvia to meet with Porzingis. Let the dude get his rehabbing done and you’ll see him when he gets back to the states. That’s why these players get the feeling they are the franchise because coaches give them that reputation when they are employees just like the coaches.
In that one I do agree with Knicks FO, probably first time ever, but they don’t have to cover holes, they are in the process of acquiring assets, they have to pick the best available player whether it is at PG, SG, SF, PF or C. They are not about to win now or any time soon, let them build for a few years. Where is the point in getting what they need? Need for what? Not to win… now anyway.
THJ and Baker were signed to ridiculous contracts (not just in retrospect, at the time) by Steve Mills (after Jackson was fired and before Perry was hired). Mills is a career marketing guy, not a personnel guy, and it showed.
I’m not down on Perry, YET, and I certainly hope he (not Mills) is the guy making personnel decisions going forward. Getting the Melo deal done was an achievement. Didn’t like dealing WH. Liked getting Mudiay. Didn’t like not moving Lee and KO during at the deadline (although who knows if anything was offered).
Stating that he’s taking the best player available is EXACTLY what he should be saying for public consumption. Not telegraphing what he’s going to do. Good drafting organization NEVER let others know what they’re thinking before the draft.
Guys drop, teams look to trade up, etc. The last thing you want is other teams knowing you’re not looking at a certain position.