NBA Today: 5 Head coaches that could be fired soon

Following more than a month of speculation regarding his future, the New York Knicks announced last week that they had fired their head coach David Fizdale just 22 games into the season. Fizdale's departure came just a day after the Knicks were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, as the team dropped to a 4-18 start this term.

The Knicks have yet to appoint a new head coach, although due to the high-demanding nature of the NBA, Fizdale is unlikely to be the only coaching departure this season. Much of the league entered the season with playoff aspirations although as we approach the turn of the year, several teams are performing worse than expected. So, with plenty of candidates to choose from, here we look at the five coaches that could be fired soon:

#5 Luke Walton - Sacramento Kings

The Kings are facing a serious battle to make the playoffs under Luke Walton

Despite the 2018 offseason acquisition of LeBron James, Luke Walton could only manage to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to a 37-45 record during the 2018-19 season.

After failing to guide the team to the playoffs for a third consecutive season, Walton parted ways with the organization back in April, although he was appointed as new head coach of the Sacramento Kings just three days later.

The Kings were among the most exciting teams last year, and the organization hoped that Walton's arrival would help secure a playoff appearance since 2006. Nevertheless, Sacramento opened the season 0-5 under their new head coach, and despite improving to 12-14 for the season - the Kings' playoff chances remain in the balance. Walton's job appears safe for now, although if the Kings are still struggling come mid-January - an ambitious front office may look to make a change.

#4 Billy Donovan - Oklahoma City Thunder

Billy Donovan's appears to have no long-term future with the Thunder

Billy Donovan has received much criticism for his inability to win a playoff series during Russell Westbrook's final three years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, although his job appears to be safe for as long as general manager Sam Presti remains with the organisation.

However, Presti has been linked to the GM role at the New York Knicks, and recent reports have suggested that the Thunder wouldn't stand in Presti's way if he was to push for a move to NY.

With less than a year remaining on his existing contract, Donovan's long-term future with the Thunder is already doubtful and should Presti depart the team, the front office may react by finally relieving Donovan of his position.

#3 Alvin Gentry - New Orleans Pelicans

Gentry's has overseen the longest losing streak in Pelicans history

Alvin Gentry joined the Pelicans back in 2015 after serving as associate head coach with the Golden State Warriors, although New Orleans have made just one trip to the playoffs during his four years at the helm.

Despite this, the organisation believed the 65-year-old could transform the team into contenders following the offseason additions of Zion Williamson, J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. However, Williamson has yet to make his debut due to injury, and the Pelicans are already well out of playoff contention with a 6-21 record.

Sunday night's loss to the Orlando Magic means they have now lost a franchise-record 12 successive games, and there was a great amount of frustration in the stands at the Smoothie King Center. While Gentry has been unfortunate with injuries, this is not the season that the front office envisioned and they may look towards a younger coach in the coming weeks.

#2 Jim Boylen - Chicago Bulls

Jim Boylen has been able to guide the Bulls into contention

Ahead of the season, the Chicago Bulls appeared to have enough talent to challenge for one of the East's final playoff spots due to the conference's lack of depth. However, Chicago has been among the most disappointing teams of the season so far, and a 10-18 start means that the Bulls face an uphill battle to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2017.

Much of the blame for Chicago's slow start to the season has fallen on the shoulders of head coach Jim Boylen, and a large portion of the fanbase has called on the front office to fire the 54-year-old. While the Bulls are currently standing by Boylen, Fred Hoiberg was relieved of his duties last year after recording a similar record, and Chicago's stance could change quickly if they fail to hit form in the coming weeks.

#1 Scott Brooks - Washington Wizards

Scott Brooks is among the head coaches under intense pressure

With John Wall out for the season, the Washington Wizards faced a difficult task to challenge for a playoff spot, although they have performed worse than expected. Despite the excellent form of Bradley Beal, the Wizards sit at 7-17 for the season and have won just one game so far this month.

Head coach Scott Brooks was initially bought in while the team was still contenders, although after guiding the Wizards to the 2016 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Brooks has earned plenty of criticism for his coaching style as Washington has increasingly headed in the wrong direction. Ultimately, something needs to change for the Wizards as they face a long-term rebuild, and the organisation may put their faith in a coach with new ideas.