New York Knicks: 5 Long-Term Replacements For Derek Fisher
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.
If Phil still wants triangle, B. Shaw, L. Walton are from Phil tree. Thibs, JVG, Mark Jackson, Scott Brooks all available with Knicks ties.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 8, 2016
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