ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports, “David Fizdale is returning to the Phoenix Suns in a prominent assistant coaching role on Mike Budenholzer’s staff, sources tell ESPN. Fizdale had been on Frank Vogel’s staff, and now Budenholzer is retaining the two-time NBA head coach as part of his new bench team.”
David Fizdale is returning to the Phoenix Suns in a prominent assistant coaching role on Mike Budenholzer’s staff, sources tell ESPN. Fizdale had been on Frank Vogel’s staff and now Budenholzer is keeping the two-time NBA head coach as part of his new group on bench. pic.twitter.com/HckzHhF8m5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 29, 2024
The Athletic’s Shams Charania previously reported that Fizdale was expected to transition to a new front office role with Budenholzer’s hiring but later stated that Fizdale declined the offer.
A few weeks ago, Bleacher Report and TNT’s Chris Haynes reported, “Phoenix Suns assistants under former head coach Frank Vogel were informed that they will not be retained by Mike Budenholzer, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.”
Instead, Fizdale becomes the second addition to Budenholzer’s staff, following the reported hiring of Vince Legarza, a previous assistant under Budenholzer, according to AZ Central’s Duane Rankin.
LeBron, Savannah and David Fizdale were all there for Bronny after his win. pic.twitter.com/Vlq4Xk2bm6
— ESPN (@espn) January 29, 2020
Fizdale gained recognition as a respected assistant coach during LeBron James’ tenure with the Miami Heat. After James left, Fizdale was promoted to the Heat’s associate head coach from 2014-16. He then served as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2016-18 and the New York Knicks from 2018-20. Since then, he has been part of dismissed Suns coach Frank Vogel’s staff, including the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers and the past season with Phoenix.
Fizdale, 49, was with Miami from 2009-2016, and before that, he was an assistant with the Atlanta Hawks (2004-08) and Golden State Warriors (2003-04).
This move also fuels speculation about the Suns’ interest in acquiring Bronny and LeBron James.
