NBA Rumors: Derek Fisher could return to Oklahoma City Thunder as a player/assistant coach
Once the New York Knicks’ missed out on their top target, rumblings that current Oklahoma City Thunder reserve point guard Derek Fisher could take the reigns in New York began.
Knicks’ President Phil Jackson went after one former player, Steve Kerr, who played for Jackson with the Chicago Bulls, but Kerr chose the more talented Golden State Warriors’ roster over a Knicks franchise that has the cloud of the uncertain future of star forward Carmelo Anthony looming over their head.
Fisher, of course, won five NBA titles as a player for Jackson with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, New York may not be the place for him.
According to Sam Amick of The USA Today, Fisher may return to the Thunder as both a player and an assistant coach in order to learn the ropes of coaching while still contributing to the team on the court as well.
On the Derek Fisher front, I'm told one possibility that has been discussed in addition to head coach: player/asst. w/ Thunder next year.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) May 21, 2014
Fisher could play one more season while learning coaching ropes (unofficial asst.) under Scott Brooks. That entire group values him greatly.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) May 21, 2014
Amick is clearly right about the way the Thunder value Fisher – league MVP Kevin Durant has already endorsed Fisher as a future head coach.