Memphis Grizzlies’ Van Exel Says ‘Nah’ to New York Knicks
David Fizdale of the New York Knicks has attempted to scoop a portion of the Memphis Grizzlies’ coaching staff, but it looks as if he will be at least somewhat unsuccessful.
It has been a busy NBA offseason with several clubs making changes at the helm of their ship. There have been hires as well as fires.
As expected, David Fizdale was swooped off the market rather quickly. After being relieved of his head coaching duties with the Memphis Grizzlies just 19 games into the 2017-18 season, the New York Knicks recently decided to roll the dice on Fizdale.
Shortly after the Knicks made their hire, David Fizdale went into the laboratory to build his staff of assistants.
Would there be bad blood with Memphis employees? In order to be the most successful, should Fizdale elect to bring aboard co-workers of the Miami Heat championship teams?
Well, it seems as if there is no bad blood with the Memphis Grizzlies — unless you pinpoint the back-and-forth remarks between the ex-Grizzlies coach and center Marc Gasol.
As for the Miami Heat talking point, David Fizdale has targeted a former Heat assistant coach, but with Grizzly ties.
Fizdale and the New York Knicks reached out to the Memphis Grizzlies last week for permission to speak with two current Grizz assistant coaches — Keith Smart and Nick Van Exel.
Smart is a former NBA head coach who has spent time with the Miami Heat alongside Fizdale on their coaching staff.
Van Exel is young in his NBA coaching career, but he has done an excellent job thus far in the Memphis Grizzlies’ push in youth development. The players really seem to enjoy working with the former NBA player.
Is Keith Smart and Nick Van Exel a lock to rejoin Fizdale?
Not so fast.
“Nah,” said Van Exel from his personal Twitter account on Monda in response to a Knicks fan asking whether he was en route to joining the Knicks’ coaching staff.
Nah
— Nick Van Exel (@vanexel31) May 14, 2018
This comes a few days after he tweeted “Just rumors my folks.” This was in regard to the initial report of the Knicks being granted permission to speak with Smart and Van Exel.
From afar, it seems as if the New York Knicks will not be receiving an acceptance letter from Nick Van Exel. However, the verdict is still out on Keith Smart.
Do not be surprised if other NBA teams begin to reach out to Nick Van Exel. He is a high-quality assistant coach and Fizdale’s invitation may tip other teams off. Memphis has a real asset on the sideline.
Will he stay or will he go?
Go Grizz!