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New York Knicks: The Derek Fisher Era … What?

By Mauricio Putz

Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks new president of basketball of operations Phil Jackson is introduced at a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks new president of basketball of operations Phil Jackson is introduced at a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports /
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Wow, we sure weren’t expecting the New York Knicks to hire Derek Fisher.

First off, let’s go ahead and congratulate the five-time NBA champion, who’s not even two weeks removed from the court (Fishing season in OKC started Saturday, May 31), for landing one of the hottest coaching positions of the summer. Prokhorov-ich move by JD and the Straight Shot‘s leading man, Mr. James Dolan. Congrats, Derek.

I’m not exactly sure how Carmelo Anthony‘s feeling about this. His goal’s clear, he wants to win. And he wants to do it now.

We’ve seen it before with superstars, they get what they want in this league.  LeBron James went to Miami with the sole purpose of winning. Dwight Howard left the Orlando Magic for the Los Angeles Lakers with the sole purpose of winning. Carmelo Anthony left Denver, and he’ll leave New York at the first sign he gets he’s not winning there anymore. Did the Knicks hire Fisher because he’s the one that’s taking them to the 2015 NBA Finals? To the 2016 NBA Finals? With the way the Indiana Pacers are building up? With two first round picks in the next four years? With the Brooklyn Nets looming as one of the East’s greatest threats? With 70% of Derrick Rose coming back and possibly having Kevin Love by his side? Right.

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Let’s make it clear, I’ve got nothing against the Fisher move nor Derek Fisher himself. As a matter of fact, I believe it takes a great salesman to convince the almighty Zen Master that you’ve got what it takes to, as a first-year coach, take THE hottest seat around NBA coaches and be successful in your first go at it. In fact, not only do I think he’s the leader New York’s missing (and Carmelo’s failed to be), but he’s also the championship pedigree the Knicks have been lacking for the better part of the last 41 years.

You’re now wondering, what am I against? I’m against the Knicks trying to make this decision about wanting to keep Carmelo Anthony.

Phil Jackson was an amazing player and an amazing coach. He’s a genius behind the triangle offense with which he made Michael Jordan a six-time NBA champion. Jackson making it doesn’t necessarily mean every great player or multiple-time champion will translate into a great good coach. So I’m guessing there’s another side to it. I believe Phil Jackson did this for himself. If Fisher succeeds, wouldn’t  Phil Jackson be remembered as the savior who brought back basketball to the Mecca?

Yes, that sounds more like it. Phil Jackson doesn’t like hits. He had a chance to stay with Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players of all time, after he crossed his peak and quit the Lakers coaching job. He didn’t want to be there when Kobe was trying to be something he wasn’t. So he’s trying to hit it out of the park with Fisher. He’s trying to erect himself (not that he needs to since he helped bring the Knicks’ second and last NBA championship in the 1972-73 season under Red Holzman) as the god who brought basketball back to New York.

Apr 7, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith (8) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher (6) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith (8) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher (6) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

“I think I’ll have Derek wear all five of his rings the first time he comes in and talks to Carmelo.” – Phil Jackson

Now, Phil Jackson, allegedly, wants Derek Fisher to meet Carmelo for the first time, as his coach, wearing his five NBA championship rings. Wait, what?! Oh right, because why not. When he sits down and shows Carmelo that he won ‘chips behind Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, Carmelo will definitely get on board and put his next five seasons under an amateur coach? Are the Knicks really doing everything in their power to keep Melo? Are we sure?

Winning’s definitely what’s moving the amateur coach, the amateur president of basketball operations and the superstar. Will they achieve it together?

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