Knicks to ‘ramp up’ efforts to hire Derek Fisher
By Bryan Rose
With Derek Fisher no longer playing in the postseason, the New York Knicks are expected to ‘ramp up’ their efforts to hire the un-retired Oklahoma City Thunder point guard as the next head coach of their franchise.
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“The New York Knicks’ pursuit of Derek Fisher to be their new coach will ramp up this week and is widely expected to result in the hiring of the 18-year veteran guard, according to NBA coaching sources,” says Marc Stein of ESPN.
Fisher has been long courted by president of basketball operations Phil Jackson after he and the Knicks were spurned by Steve Kerr, who opted to remain closer to home in California by accepting to vacant Golden State Warriors job.
As for Fisher, while he doesn’t have any prior coaching experience, his veteran leadership and coach of the floor mentality will serve him well in such a role if he was to accept it.
The Knicks don’t exactly have a ton of potential options considering Jackson seems hell bent on hiring a coach who is knowledgeable in the triangle offense, which is why Fisher, who ran such under Jackson in Los Angeles is so interested in the point guard.
So what could hold up the deal? Fisher’s desire to keep playing. There has been noise suggesting that Fisher wouldn’t exactly be opposed to returning to the hardwood as a player according to ESPN.
“The Knicks’ main fear, sources say, is if Fisher were to decide to keep playing. Provided Fisher opts for retirement, as most expect, New York is in prime position to hire the 39-year-old who has long been regarded as a natural leader.”
Expect the two sides to ramp up talks regardless in the very near future.