Stan no longer the man
MIAMI — The Miami Heat coaching tree remained status quo Monday, with the Detroit Pistons announcing the dismissal of Stan Van Gundy and the New York Knicks formally hiring David Fizdale.
Van Gundy, who helped mentor current Heat coach Erik Spoelstra during his time as head coach and Spoelstra’s as an assistant, was released from both his lead coaching and personnel posts by the Pistons four years into his five-year contract.
Fizdale, who previously served as a Spoelstra Heat assistant, was formally named Knicks coach shortly after Van Gundy’s dismissal, with his formal introduction to come today at Madison Square Garden.
The Pistons announced the parting with Van Gundy in a statement.
“We have decided that this change is necessary to take our basketball organization to the next level,” Pistons owner Tom Gores said. “This was a very difficult decision and we did not come to it lightly. I am grateful to Stan for everything he’s done for the Pistons and for the City of Detroit. He rebuilt the culture of our basketball team, re-instilled a winning attitude and work ethic, and took us to the playoffs two years ago. He went all-in from day one to positively impact this franchise and this community.
“But over the past two seasons our team has not progressed, and we decided that a change is necessary to regain our momentum.
Van Gundy, who also served as coach of the Orlando Magic since his December 2005 departure from the Heat, has one year left on his Pistons contract.
“Stan is a competitor and he wanted to finish the job,” Gores said. “He retooled a roster that we think can be very competitive in the East. I know he’s disappointed, and that he cares deeply about his players, his staff, this organization and this city.”
Van Gundy, who was named president of basketball operations and head coach by the Pistons on May 14, 2014. His teams went 152-176 (.463) in four seasons with the Pistons, missing the playoffs in all but one of those seasons, including this past season.
Among those on Van Gundy’s Pistons coaching staff was former Heat guard Tim Hardaway and former Heat forward Malik Allen.
Among Van Gundy’s front-office moves with the Pistons were the resigning of Andre Drummond, the draft selections of Stanley Johnson, Henry Ellenson and Luke Kennard and trades for Blake Griffin, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley.
“I have nothing but respect and love for Stan. I think he is a great coach and a great man, and his presence and leadership helped move this franchise forward,” Gores said. “Although we did not get the success both of us wanted, his efforts and leadership have put the franchise in better shape today than when he came on board.”
The Knicks also issued a statement regarding Fizdale’s hiring.
“After a thorough coaching search, it was clear that David would be a great fit with the Knicks and we’re thrilled that he is joining our organization,” Knicks President Steve Mills said. “He is an experienced coach, strong leader and effective communicator, who understands what it takes to build a winning culture.”
Van Gundy, 58, coached the Heat from 2003 to 2005, after serving as a Heat assistant from 1995 until his promotion to coach in 2003.
Fizdale, 43, served as a Heat assistant coach from 2008 to 2016, having previously served in the Heat’s video department. He had been out of the league since his dismissal on Nov. 27 following 1 seasons as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.