Struggling Knicks fire coach Fisher in second season
Sports
Struggling Knicks fire coach Fisher in second season
The struggling New York Knicks have fired head coach Derek Fisher less than two years after he was brought in to help turn around the once-proud franchise, the National Basketball Association team said on Monday. Fisher was dismissed a day after the NBA’s most valuable team (23-31) lost its fifth consecutive outing, falling five games behind the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
This is a very talented team with strong character and I am confident they will succeed. … Obviously, I’m disappointed, but have learned an immense amount from this experience and hope to grow from it.
Derek Fisher
Associate head coach Kurt Rambis was promoted to interim head coach, at least through the rest of the season. The Knicks have fallen to 23-31 midway through Fisher’s second season, dropping his overall record to 40-96. Fisher, a five-time NBA champion player with the Los Angeles Lakers, had no coaching experience when he was hired in mid-2014. President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson praised Fisher’s work and transition into coaching, but felt he needed to make the decision following the team’s recent struggles.
I think it was nine losses out of the last 10 games. I think it’s the business of winning. … But I think Derek was prepared, I think he took this business seriously, I think he was a dedicated worker. …
Phil Jackson
