After losing Steve Kerr, who decided to sign with the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks’ newly hired president, Phil Jackson, went out hunting for another candidate. His efforts were successful, as the Knicks announced that they agreed on terms with Derek Fisher, who will be the next head coach of the team at the start of next season.
What does this hiring mean? What can Fisher offer to New York and what does the team need to change in order to do better next season?
Derek Fisher and Carmelo Anthony
Well, there is no question about which the No.1 priority for the entire New York Knicks organization now is, Jackson and Fisher included. And that’s no other than the re-signing of Carmelo Anthony. The 30 – year old megastar will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and although he stated that he is eager to staying in NYC for a long term, he also hinted that he would like to test the market.
Up to now, Melo hasn’t commented on Fisher’s hiring. So, what the 39 – year old newly hired head coach of the Knicks should do is to start building a solid relationship with Melo. With the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks and a few other teams waiting in the corner for a chance to lure Melo onboard, the Knicks should be very careful with their moves on Anthony’s case.
A players’ coach
Derek Fisher spent 17 seasons in the NBA, 10 of which under Phil Jackson. He has zero experience as a coach, from any position, but he will be one of the youngest coaches in the NBA. That will allow him to build a great bond with the Knicks’ players. Fisher can help the younger players develop their skills, especially guards Tim Hardaway Jr. and Iman Shumpert but he can also build bonds with the older guys of the team. The young of Fisher’ sage and the fact that he was an active NBA player until a few weeks before he accepted the head coaching position will be another key fact in his efforts to gain Melo’s respect.
Cook a plan for the future
The New York Knicks will most probably have to build a plan with a minimum duration of two years. Phil Jackson won’t have the financial flexibility to make the roster changes he wants next season. Amar’e Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani, Tyson Chandler and J.R. Smith are all under contract for the upcoming season and this leaves little room for significant changes.
So, in his first season as the new head coach, Derek Fisher will most probably have to be patient. Knicks fans should do the same. Of course Fisher can bring a breath of fresh air to the team and maybe even implement the triangle offense, one that he learned from Phil Jackson. With a good plan for both ends of the floor next season, the New York Knicks should be able to at least make it to the postseason. However, in order for them to make those changes that will allow them to seriously contend for the title, they will have to wait till next summer, when all those big fat contracts will expire.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Ron Leyba is the lead editor of Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues, and a LastWordOnSports NBA Analyst. For more of his articles, follow his updates at Google+ or follow him on Twitter – @ronniedare. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and “liking” our Facebook page.
