MIAMI — Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, one of David Fizdale’s close friends, didn’t mince words about the firing of his former assistant coach, taking another poke Friday at the Knicks’ organization.
“I think it stinks,’’ Spoelstra said before his Heat beat interim coach Mike Miller’s squad 129-114. “I think he’s a phenomenal coach. Yes, he is a great friend of mine. But someone gave me a piece of information he just happened to work for the two franchises who have had the most coaching changes in the last 12 years since I’ve been a coach here than anyone in the league. That speaks for itself.”
Spoelstra and Fizdale started together in the 1990s in Miami as video coordinators.
Several prominent coaches have taken digs at the Knicks for taking out Fizdale after 22 games into his second season. Embattled Knicks president Steve Mills already has gone through six head coaches since rejoining the franchise in 2013.
“They hired him to do a job,’’ Spoelstra said. “It takes time to build culture and build something — what we’ve done, as well. It takes time and a great deal of stability from the people you work for — which I’m so grateful to have here. I just think it stinks.”
Fizdale, who was a Heat assistant for seven seasons, figures to have a job with Miami’s staff anytime he wants. Fizdale also worked for Memphis, which fired him early in his second season. Fizdale was 4-18 when he got the axe this time. Miller is 3-4 with Friday’s loss.
Spoelstra also noted that Knicks assistant Kaleb Canales used to send him letters years ago about being an intern.
“He wrote me every single week,’’ Spoelstra said, noting when Fizdale hired him it felt like he had become “part of the family.”
In a complete reversal of style, Allonzo Trier, fresh off his concussion, came on in garbage time and took just one shot in 10:17 of playing time. Out of the rotation, Trier normally puts up a lot shots when given garbage-time opportunities.
Rookie RJ Barrett still is in contact with his Duke buddy, Zion Williamson, who has not made his NBA debut.
“I have no idea,’’ Barrett said of the status for the No. 1-overall pick. “I have no clue. I don’t know how long that takes. He’s going to take his time.’’
Barrett said having a Miami-Milwaukee back-to-back was a “great” test. The league-best Bucks took out the Knicks by 44 points earlier this month, paving the way for Fizdale’s ouster.
“Who doesn’t want a challenge?’’ Barrett said. “Going up against two of the best teams in the league, it’s great. Especially as a player, that’s kind of what you live for. I’m very excited.’’
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