Mike Fratello joined the Memphis Grizzlies on December 2, 2004, becoming the seventh head coach in Grizzlies history. Fratello went to Memphis as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, ranking 19th on the all-time wins list and 21st on the all-time games coached list when he joined the team. Now an analyst with TNT, Fratello has enjoyed a long and successful career with the NBA.
He began his NBA career as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks (1978-82), before stepping into his first head coaching role when he and Brendan Suhr were named co-interim head coaches of the Hawks, replacing Hubie Brown 79 games into the 1980-81 season. In 1982, he joined the New York Knicks as an assistant coach for one season (1982-83) before returning to the Hawks as head coach in 1983 to lead Atlanta for seven seasons. During his seven-year stint, he compiled a 324-250 record (.564), advancing to the playoffs in five seasons, including leading the Hawks to a Central Division title in 1987. His 324 regular season victories, 18 postseason wins and 577 games coached rank second among Hawks all-time franchise coaching lists. He set a franchise record by winning at least 50 games in four consecutive seasons (1985-89), earning 1986 NBA Coach of the Year honors after leading the Hawks to a 50-32 record.
In 1990, he left the sidelines to join the broadcast booth for the first time in his career when he signed on to cover the NBA on NBC Sports for three seasons (1990-93).
In 1993, he returned to the coaching ranks to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers, compiling a 248-212 regular season record and guiding his team to four post-season appearances during his six-year stint (1993-99). His 248 victories rank third on Cleveland's all-time list.
After six seasons with Cleveland, Fratello resumed his broadcasting career, joining Turner Sports in 1999 where he served as a broadcaster for NBA basketball for six years and partnered with Marv Albert and Steve Kerr for TNT's Thursday Night NBA coverage. In addition, he served as a television analyst for the Miami Heat broadcast team from 2002 until he was hired by the Grizzlies.
Fratello's coaching career began in 1969 as a coach for basketball and football at Hackensack High School in Hackensack, New Jersey. His resume also includes stints as an assistant coach at the University of Rhode Island (1970-72), James Madison University (1972-75) and as an assistant at Villanova University (1975-78). The "Czar" is actively involved in community outreach, establishing the Friends of Fratello Foundation in 1986.
Fratello is currently a commentator for TNT. Starting with the 2008-09 season, Fratello will also work with Marv Albert on New Jersey Nets games on the YES Network.
Mike Fratello, TNT Basketball Commentator and former NBA head coach, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Mike Fratello is also available for corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Mike Fratello.
About IMG Speakers
IMG Speakers, a division of IMG Worldwide, Inc., is a leading speakers bureau and celebrity talent agency representing today’s best motivational speakers. We secure celebrity talent for FORTUNE 500 companies, trade associations, healthcare organizations, corporate hospitality programs and special events. Our extensive client roster includes professional corporate speakers, head coaches, sports broadcasters, current and retired professional athletes, inspirational keynote speakers, award-winning chefs, business executives and television personalities.
Explore IMG Speakers bureau’s complete roster of talent to find the right keynote speaker for your next event.
