Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: Ranking all 30 head coaches ahead of the 2017-18 season

By Ryan Magdziarz

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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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 16: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to the officials during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 16: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to the officials during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /

8. David Fizdale, Memphis Grizzlies

The definition of grit and grind. David Fizdale is my most improved NBA coach in the league this year, and has proven to be a true players coach. This past year was David’s first year as a NBA head coach, as he served as associate head coach in Miami in both 2015 and 2016.

He led the Grizz to 43 wins in a tough Western Conference with a ton of injury problems and not much of a supporting cast. Fizdale has paid his dues in this league, having waited for his opportunity to lead a team himself for 13 years before getting the lead role. He took full advantage of it and is in for the long hall. He stuck his neck out for all of his players in a press conference after a tough Spurs loss and got fined for what he said about the refs.

His players paid the fine and then some, letting their coach know they’ve got his back too. Fiz is the ultimate competitor and will make sure he jumps up even further on this list moving forward. Take that for data.

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