After a disappointing 23-31 start to the NBA season, Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks have fired head coach Derek Fisher.
By Skylar Darel
In a stunning turn of events, the New York Knicks have parted ways with second year head coach Derek Fisher.
This decision comes on the heels of a stretch where the Knicks have lost nine of their last 10 games, falling from 22-22, firmly in the playoff hunt, to 23-31, a full five games outside the top eight in the East.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne was first to report:
The Knicks have fired Derek Fisher, sources told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 8, 2016
BREAKING: Knicks fire Derek Fisher after leading NY to 40-96 record in 1st 2 seasons at the helm. (via ESPN sources) pic.twitter.com/EOa2pDH6Jl
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2016
According to ESPN New York’s Ian Begley, management was unhappy with Fisher’s performance, and said change was needed.
The Knicks have fired Derek Fisher, ESPN has learned. Management was disappointed with team's performance, decided change was needed.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 8, 2016
Fisher was hired in the summer of 2014, just after retiring from his playing career. At the helm of the Knicks a year ago, he led the team to their worst ever season, going 17-65 in 2014-15.
This season, things started brightly for Fisher and the Knicks, who were considered to be one of the surprise teams in the NBA during the first half of the season. This latest 1-9 stretch has proved to be Fisher’s undoing.
The Knicks PR Twitter account confirmed the move, made by President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson:
https://twitter.com/NY_KnicksPR/status/696726508359045120
In the interim, Kurt Rambis will assume the duties of head coach.
Stick to ESNY for all news relating Fisher’s departure, and his potential replacement as head coach of the New York Knicks.
