Knicks Rumors: David Fizdale, Jerry Stackhouse 'Made Strong Cases' in Interviews

Former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale and longtime NBA shooting guard Jerry Stackhouse, who currently coaches Raptors 905 in the G League, reportedly made "strong cases" during their interviews for the New York Knicks' head-coaching vacancy.

Adrian Wojnarowski and Ian Begley of ESPN.com reported the update Friday and noted the Knicks are still scheduled to meet with former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt, Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer and San Antonio Spurs assistant James Borrego.

New York is casting a wide net in its search to replace Jeff Hornacek.

Other individuals to interview include Los Angeles Clippers assistant Mike Woodson, former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and two-time NBA champion point guard Kenny Smith, per Wojnarowski and Begley. No further details were provided about those discussions.

Knicks general manager Scott Perry told reporters what the organization is looking for in its next coach during a press conference last week:

"We're going to be looking for a coach who holds the players accountable and his coaching staff accountable. Not only a good basketball mind but a very skilled communicator. A guy who can connect very well with his players and is equally aligned with wanting to be a very strong defensive-minded team that won't only resonate with the candidate we want, but New Yorkers. The Knicks teams of yesteryear were tough-minded defensive teams who competed every night."

Fizdale led the Grizzlies to a 43-39 record and a postseason berth during his first season in charge after being hired in May 2016. He was fired after a 7-12 start to the current campaign, though.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported the dismissal was based more on a soured relationship with Grizzlies center Marc Gasol than on-court performance. The front office was forced to choose between its coach and star player and chose to keep Gasol.

Meanwhile, Stackhouse was named D-League Coach of the Year for 2016-17 after leading Raptors 905 to a championship during his first season in charge. They reached the finals again this season before falling to the Austin Spurs.

Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported he's also scheduled to interview with the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic, emerging as one of the offseason's hottest coaching commodities.