Knicks officially name David Fizdale as head coach

The New York Knicks officially named David Fizdale their new head coach on Monday.

"I am honored and humbled to join the Knicks as head coach," Fizdale said in a release. "I want to sincerely thank Jim (Dolan), Steve (Mills), and Scott (Perry) for this tremendous opportunity. 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."

Fizdale became head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2016, leading them to a 43-39 record, but a flurry of injuries led to an early playoff exit. The Grizzlies started this past campaign with a 7-4 record before an eight-game losing skid and a dispute with star center Marc Gasol led to the Fizdale's dismissal.

Prior to his tenure in Memphis, Fizdale spent eight seasons as an assistant with the Miami Heat under head coach Erik Spoelstra. He won two championships during his time in South Beach.

Fizdale will become the Knicks' 29th bench boss in franchise history and fifth since 2014.

New York hasn't made the playoffs since 2013 under Mike Woodson.