Apparently Derek Fisher was worth every bit of the $25,000 dollars Phil Jackson was fined for tampering a week ago. Fisher signed a five-year $25 Million dollar deal to become the next head coach of The New York Knicks.
Mike Woodson did a solid job as the Knicks head man. He guided his former team to their first playoff series victory since 2000. His 50-22 start is the best in team history through 72 games. The Knicks 37-45 record was not the deciding factor in getting rid of Woodson. Phil is content on doing it his own way. When you win a combined 13 championships as a player and coach you earn the right to make those decisions.
The Knicks took a page out of the Nets handbook by hiring a point-guard as head coach directly after retiring. In fact, Fisher never had the opportunity to formally retire. In 1990 The Lakers hired Mike Dunleavy following his retirement from the Milwaukee Bucks. Dunleavy lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals that year. However, Magic Johnson was the team leader. The Knicks don't have anyone of their roster with the leadership qualities of a Magic Johnson.
Phil is definitely rolling the dice on this deal. Expect a flurry of former Lakers and Bulls players to assume positions in the Knicks organization. From the on-set Phil has made it clear that he has no intentions to coach again.
Hiring a coach with experience may have been a better option. Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were both respectable candidates. Phil didn't get his first choice to replace Woodson. Steve Kerr opted to take the Warriors gig instead.
Fisher brings a swagger to New York unlike any other coach in Knicks history. These are unchartered waters for this city and this team. The 2014-15 season is going to be interesting.
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