The first full season of the Phil Jackson-Derek Fisher era in New York has been interesting. The Knicks currently own the worst record in the NBA, their owner is sending mean emails to fans, Timofey Mozgov was traded for not one but two first round picks, and JR Smith may win comeback player of the year.
So when the season is lost, how do you continue to make things more interesting?
Mark Berman of the New York Post writes that Phil Jackson would like to see Derek Fisher show more emotion when coaching.
“I’d like to have (Fisher) thrown out of some games at least. It looks like every time we go out there, every bump becomes a foul and Derek’s very patient behind all that,” Jackson said. “Get after some referees. Maybe he thinks his contract isn’t supportive of him paying for those technicals and doesn’t want to have that issue. But in reality his demeanor’s been great.’’
Fisher responded to those comments, and it seems like Fisher is starting show some emotion, maybe.
”I don’t know how to get into a conversation how much a coach has to do with how many calls go in your favor or not,’’ Fisher said. “I’m not Phil. I’m not coaching the teams he coached. I have to measure it based on who our team is. We don’t have enough history together. I don’t know if it would be fair to leave them out on the field while I’m in the back. I don’t think Phil made the difference on how many calls we got or not, I don’t know if I’ll make that difference.’’
Phil Jackson won all of his championships with multiple star players, while the Knicks current roster is just laughable. Is Fisher sending some shots at his former coach and current boss.? I find Fisher’s comments very “interesting,” but then again that is what Phil wanted.
Maybe now Phil should give D-Fish something he wants, a few average players so the team can be competitive.
