Knicks officially hire Derek Fisher as head coach
The New York Knicks made it official on Tuesday morning.
It was widely reported by various outlets on Monday that Derek Fisher agreed to become the Knicks' next head coach. Terms of the deal are believed to be roughly $25 million over five seasons.
Fisher, the long-time Laker guard under Knicks president Phil Jackson, is a five-time NBA champion. He is close to Jackson, has championship pedigree, is young and knows the Triangle Offense, which fits the billing put forth by Jackson.
A lengthy introductory presser was held to introduce Fisher to New York on Tuesday. Jackson, Fisher and Knicks GM Steve Mills fielded various questions regarding the hire, and the team's directing going forward.
On his relevant experience:
Derek FIsher: "There will be talk about my inexperience as a head coach ... But I am experienced. Basketball is a game I'm experienced in."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 10, 2014
Derek Fisher: "Every experience I've had in the sport of basketball all leads to this moment."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 10, 2014
On his plans for the team in the interim:
Derek: "We know without a doubt we can reestablish it'', referring to the glory days of the 1970's.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) June 10, 2014
On Carmelo Anthony, who could opt-out and become a free-agent:
Derek Fisher on Carmelo: "We want him to be here. But ultimately he has that choice."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 10, 2014
Phil: I think I'll have Derek wear all 5 of his rings the first time he comes in & talks to Carmelo and say this is what we're working for.'
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 10, 2014
On the dreary state of the Knicks:
Fisher on no Draft Pick/ Melo situation: "That makes the job tough right away, no doubt about it."
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 10, 2014
On the Los Angeles Lakers potentially hiring Fisher:
Fisher: "It was a very casual, informal reach out from the Lakers. I don't know if they ever really considered me as 1 of their candidates."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 10, 2014
Fisher on Lakers: "I don't know if they ever really considered me as one of their candidates."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 10, 2014
On Phil Jackson's spectacular vernacular
"He's hip-hop ready to get going with these guys and their language." - Phil Jackson reaches peak-caucasity
— netw3rk (@netw3rk) June 10, 2014
Fisher becomes the 26th coach in the Knicks' illustrious history. Reports indicate that he is looking to add former head coach Kurt Rambis as an assistant.