Derek Fisher says Knicks will compete for playoffs
By Mike Dyce
The New York Knicks have a new head coach in Derek Fisher and managed to retain superstar Carmelo Anthony. There is a lot of uncertainty heading into the 2014-15 NBA season and how things will pan out for the Knicks, but Fisher is confident that they can compete in the playoffs and for a championship.
“My opinion is, based on our roster and who we’re going to become, we can compete for playing in the playoffs and playing for a championship in the Eastern Conference,” Fisher said, via the New York Post. “When that happens, putting dates on it, that’s not my job.”
“I believe in our guys,” Fisher said. “Even if nothing else changes, we’re good enough to be a playoff team in the Eastern Conference, but we have to go out and prove it.”
For Fisher it will be about his relationship with Carmelo Anthony, and he wants to build a strong one.
“Whether player to player or coach to player, it’s about the relationship,” Fisher said. “I’m not nervous about building the type of relationship with Carmelo we both need for us to be successful. We’re human beings and grown men. We’ll talk and work together. I’m not nervous about being myself.”
Fisher added: “I think there’s a great deal of respect that’s gone both ways. Hopefully that will help us build a mutual respectful relationship. It’s a great opportunity not just for me, but for Carmelo. We spoke in person twice about what a coach could provide. He’s comfortable with that part. The toughest part for him was: Will our roster be competitive enough to win?”