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NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns to target David Fizdale as next head coach

By Brad Berreman

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Head coach David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media prior to Game Six the Western Conference Quarterfinals game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Head coach David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media prior to Game Six the Western Conference Quarterfinals game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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As the Phoenix Suns ramp up their search for a new coach, and David Fizdale may be atop the list.

After losing three games in a row to start the season, and two by more than 40 points, the Phoenix Suns let head coach Earl Watson go. The team is 19-41 under interim head coach Jay Triano since that point, and a search for a long-term coach is surely set to ramp up as the season winds down.

As part of a longer look at NBA coaching rumors, Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News has reported the Suns are targeting David Fizdale to become their next head coach. Fizdale was fired early this season himself, as the Memphis Grizzlies started 7-12 and were in the midst of an 11-game losing streak.

Fizdale led the Grizzlies to a 43-39 record and a playoff spot in his only full season as coach. His resume as an assistant coach is significant though, including from 2008-2016 with the Miami Heat in the midst of the LeBron James era. After Fizdale was fired by Memphis, James and Dwyane Wade took to Twitter.

The big fly in Phoenix’s ointment is the Los Angeles Lakers. The organization was slow to endorse Luke Walton after some critical comments from LaVar Ball earlier this season, amid speculation Fizdale would be interested in the job if it were open. If the Lakers want to go all-in to try and land James in free agency this summer, his tie to Fizdale would be a strong selling point in their corner.

Related Story: 5 candidates to be next Phoenix Suns coach

The Suns have a pretty appealing situation, with Devin Booker leading a group of promising young talent which includes Josh Jackson, T.J. Warren, Marquese Chriss, Alex Len and Dragan Bender. General manager Ryan McDonough has also suggested a more aggressive plan in free agency to supplement that young core, and Phoenix could have three first-round picks in June’s draft.

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