Miami Heat: Could David Fizdale Get His Head Coaching Opportunity Soon?

We’ve already seen some movement on the coaching carousel this season, with the Sacramento Kings firing Mike Malone. Other coaches may already be on the hot seat, including Brooklyn’s Lionel Hollins, Orlando’s Jacque Vaughn, Denver’s Brian Shaw and the Lakers’ Byron Scott. Not to mention that Flip Saunders can go back up to the front office at any time.

Fizdale is a name to watch as it seems he could be on the move this summer.

As Steve Kyler over at BasketballInsiders.com writes, NBA coaches are hired to be fired. If you last more than four seasons, you’re a freaking hero.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but one of his assistant coaches could be a candidate to get a call soon, according to Kyler.

"Fizdale is currently the associate head coach of the Miami HEAT, he also serves as their Director of Player Development. Fizdale has been with the HEAT since 2008 and is well regarded among executives. Unlike Nurse, Fizdale has been coaching in the NBA since 2003 and has a strong domestic basketball pedigree. Of the bunch Fizdale may have the best resume of a young coach on the rise, having played a meaningful role in the Big Three era of the Miami HEAT while being groomed under Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra and wining some championships. Fizdale is a name to watch as it seems he could be on the move this summer."

Fizdale has apparently had his opportunities to interview in the past for coaching vacancies–most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers–but didn’t dare jump ship during The Heatles World Tour. With Miami’s future in murkier waters, now might be the time to cash in on his success.

Of his coaching future, Fizdale said he plans on waiting for the right opportunity. From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel back in May.

"“If I’m going to be a head coach, it’s going to be because it all works out right,” he said. “And it’s not going to be because I stress about it or worry about it.”"

That likely means a situation like the Lakers isn’t making his mouth water (although he is from Los Angeles). Unless Brooklyn can dump some of the contracts of Deron Williams, Brook Lopez or Joe Johnson you can cross that off, too. Orlando seems like the best fit, though. They have an interesting core of young players, a GM who seems like he knows what he’s doing and there is a comfort level in staying in the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division.

All of this is projecting, of course. But Fizdale’s name has been on the coaching radar for some time, and Heat fans should get used to the idea of him taking his coaching talents elsewhere.

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