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New York Knicks news: Building D-League team around Derek Fisher

By Bryan Rose

Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan in attendance at a press conference to introduce New York Knicks new president of basketball of operations Phil Jackson (not pictured) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan in attendance at a press conference to introduce New York Knicks new president of basketball of operations Phil Jackson (not pictured) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports /
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Although the NBA’s D-League took some time to develop, it has now become a vital tool for many franchises. Some are still yet to adopt, but many NBA franchise’s have purchased their own developmental team including the  New York Knicks.

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Essentially what could be deemed as a ‘farm team’, the D-League affiliate will be able to groom both players and coaches for a franchise and that’s exactly what the New York Knicks plan to do with their squad, the Westchester Knicks.

General manager (and former New York Knicks player) Allen Houston says the team is looking for a coach similar to Derek Fisher in effort to play to the organizations strengths.

“We’ve talked to a few candidates, very good candidates. We’re not there yet, we’re very close. But this is a very unique position because you want to have someone who is familiar with the way Derek wants to play and the system. But also [someone who is] familiar with the future and the landscape of the D-League and its process.”

It’s a smart move on behalf of the New York Knicks considering they’ve invested in Derek Fisher for the long haul and want their younger players to be ready for his triangle system when they’re called up to the NBA.

The Knicks are one of the first NBA teams to use their D-League affiliate as a true minor league system. The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors also have used their affiliate in a similar way.

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