Knicks team president Phil Jackson opened up to Charley Rosen of TodaysFastbreak.com about what went wrong in New York with former coach Derek Fisher, noting the two had markedly different philosophies on how to develop and train players. “Almost from the start, this was a difficult time for Derek. Derek did have a situation that took some focus away from his coaching during the preseason, but I never doubted that his focus was on coaching the team,” Jackson said regarding Fisher’s off the court run-in with Matt Barnes. “A divorce and coast-to-coast move with children does put pressure on a person’s life, but that’s the NBA. However, Derek did move the team forward. He was dedicated and he worked hard. The players hustled and, for the most part, stayed as positive as was possible. And Derek did manage to survive last season and to deal with the heavy pressure of the constant losing, which is probably more intense in New York than in any other NBA city.”
Jackson also noted that Fisher’s inability to settle on a rotation became an issue, Rosen relays. “When I was coaching, I liked to play a lot of players and usually found a rotation of nine, 10 players to play, but it was hard for Derek to find a workable rotation,” Jackson said. “Nevertheless, the team did develop under him, and we have enough pieces in place to give us a chance to compete every night.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Ben Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft by the Sixers, noted that the league’s mandatory Rookie Transition Program was a great help to him as he kicks off his professional career, Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com relays. “[I learned] a lot, from fans to financial advice, family issues, everything,” Simmons said. “Financially, that’s one of those things I’ve been looking at. I definitely want to be one of those guys who’s not in one of those statistics of not having money. So that’s big for me. You’ve got to look toward the future because you don’t play basketball forever. It’s one of those things you need to take seriously and listen.”
- The Celtics are hoping the playoff experience that guard Terry Rozier gained this past season will help his development moving forward and allow the player to earn more minutes in the rotation, Josue Pavon of WEII 93.7 FM relays. “One of the things I said before training camp is that I’m smarter [now],” Rozier said. “I felt like I could always play, but I just feel that my opportunity came late obviously in the playoffs [last season]. I got to see that as a rookie early and it made me smarter to just see things. Then, this summer I went over a lot of things and touched on things I could do as a point guard. I think I just became smarter more than anything.”
I know the Knicks are 10 times better than they were the past few years. They are capable of making the playoffs this season. However it does not excuse Phil Jackson of building a contending team which is sustainable for years to come. To get away from the pressure of the constant media attacks Jackson has capitulated to his critics. What he has done is buy time for himself by putting together a Fantasy roster of former All Stars. The team as assembled now if everyone plays up to their ability and does not get injured, a big IF, has a chance to win 50 games and quiets the fans, media, and the idiot owner Guitar Jimmy Dolan. Having said that there isn’t any depth behind the so called starting five. Rose and Noah are a young old both past their prime and injury prone! Anthony who is both a coach killer and a ball hog is getting long in the tooth. Other than Porzingus where is the Knicks future? Exactly as they don’t have any with this roster made up of Fantasy League players. So Jackson will not have to take any heat as long as this band aid squad of Knicks remains healthy.
With Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley starting, I’m bugging at how Marcus Smart AND Terry Rozier are supposed to “breakout”.
Then they draft Demetrius Jackson. Celtics, Nuggets, Heat and Suns have logjams at guard similar to the Sixers up front.
The Sixers should let Ben Simmons play in the backcourt, rockout with Okafor/Embiid/Noel/Saric in the frontcourt, and trade Richaun Holmes for either Archie Goodwin, Malik Beasley, Josh Richardson, or Rozier.
no way Richaun Holmes would get them Beasley or Richardson
Yea I agree and really like your thinking here. They may still need to trade Noel but we shall see.
Fisher couldn’t sort out a solid 10 man rotation, because Jackson failed to roster 10 decent guys worth playing. The back end of any combination was going to be horrific regardless.
At this stage, Phil Jackson only has his name. Unfortunately, the Knicks will take a few more years before they get rid of him.