Very few things in the NBA could diminish the media frenzy surrounding LeBron James’ thrilling 35-point Game 2 performance in the NBA Finals. The news coming from New York is one such thing.
18 years of lacing up sneakers, playing in 1,287 games, 259 playoff games—including an NBA leading 161 playoff wins, Derek Fisher seems to be moving into the next phase of his career. He is expected to be officially announced as the New York Knicks new head coach Tuesday at a team press conference.
The NY Knicks will hold a press conference tomorrow to make a major announcement.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) June 9, 2014
Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck broke the story Monday afternoon with a tweet declaring that Fisher had made his decision.
Derek Fisher has decided to accept the Knicks’ head coaching position, per source.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) June 9, 2014
There is a great deal of media reaction, and for good reason. This is the New York Knicks—based in America’s largest market. It is Phil Jackson, who is revered as, perhaps, the NBA’s greatest coach. And, it is Derek Fisher, an 18-year veteran point guard with five championships (all under Phil’s direction) who has ZERO coaching experience and has yet to formally retire as a player.
Had Fisher declined the Knicks job, Phil’s next choice was Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir. AK
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) June 9, 2014
Not sure how it would play out but imagine how happy L.A. would be if Phil Jackson was running the Lakers and Derek Fisher was the coach.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 9, 2014
Derek Fisher fits exactly what Phil Jackson wanted; played for him, knows the triangle, won’t feel threatened by Phil on the practice court
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) June 9, 2014
Covered Derek Fisher for 7 years in LA. No doubt in my mind he’ll be a good coach. There will be a learning curve, of course.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) June 9, 2014
Despite his lack of coaching experience, he is reportedly being offered the same deal—a five year, $25 million contract—that Steve Kerr chose to accept from the Golden State Warriors rather than taking New York’s offer.