New York Knicks: 5 Long-Term Replacements For Derek Fisher

Jan 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 97-84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 97-84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks
Apr 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks stands on the sidelines in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Scott Brooks

Scott Brooks may be one of the most overlooked options of the NBA head coaching free agency pool. It’s a pity he was known more for his limitations as an Xs and Os coach and his failure to get the Oklahoma City Thunder to execute late in games rather than the nurturing culture he helped establish in OKC.

Having stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka certainly helped, but Brooks played a larger part in their development into studs than people give him credit for. Just look at how he also helped shape players with lower ceilings like Reggie Jackson, Steven Adams and even Mitch McGary to a degree.

The only problem is that in New York, the Knicks are going through a different rebuilding process. They’re rebuilding like the Thunder were once upon a time, but other than Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant, the Knicks’ rebuild isn’t grounded in youth. This is a team that needs to make a splash in free agency or on the trade market to give Melo an opportunity to win before his prime is over.

Porzingis is the future of the franchise, but the Knicks are straddling the line between a long-term and short-term turnaround. Brooks probably isn’t suited for that kind of rebuild, even if he’s one of the most underrated coaching candidates available right now.

Next: No. 3