Multiple news sources, including on social media, have reported that the New York Knicks have fired Derek Fisher.
What the exact cause of the firing is unknown at this time, however the timing comes after New York has dropped 5 straight games and 9 of their last 10. From my perspective, it’s less about the wins & losses as this year is more about developing the youngsters, especially Porzingis. Nonetheless it seems that in many of the games the team, or at least some of the players, weren’t “there” mentally. And that behavior usually indicates the loss of respect for the coach.
It’ll be interesting to see what direction the team goes in. Will they keep an interim coach for the year (Rambis)? Or will they try to grab the best available now (still Sloan although that’s a pipe dream)? Will the next coach keep the triangle offense or be allowed to run whatever offense he chooses?
EDITED:
Official word from MSG:
NEW YORK, February 8, 2016 – New York Knickerbockers President Phil Jackson announced today that Derek Fisher has been relieved of his coaching duties. Associate Head Coach Kurt Rambis has been named the interim head coach.
Fisher, who was originally hired on Jun. 10, 2014, finishes his Knicks coaching career with an overall record of 40-96 (.294).
Rambis becomes the 27th head coach in franchise history. Originally hired as the team’s associate head coach on Jul. 7, 2014, the 18-year NBA coaching veteran starts his second-stint as a head coach, after leading the Minnesota Timberwolves for two seasons from 2009-10 through 2010-11 (56-145). The Terre Haute, IN native was a member of eight NBA Championship teams, all as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers (four as a player and four as a coach or executive). Rambis becomes the fifth former Knicks draft pick to coach the team (third round, 58th overall in the 1980 NBA Draft).