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.