There are few downsides to winning a championship.
One, however, is that top assistants on title teams miss opportunities, as head coaching vacancies fill elsewhere. Four teams (Philadelphia, Boston, Denver, Memphis) still have openings at this stage, though it does not appear David Fizdale is deeply in the mix for any of them.
The Heat’s head coach made a pitch for him Monday.
“I’m hopeful that he is viewed in the proper light,” Spoelstra said. “David Fizdale is an outstanding basketball coach, with an immense background… He’s not just a bright young prospect. He’s proven himself. If he feels like the opportunity is right, he’s got our full backing. But I’m biased, he’s my best friend.”