The Knicks have fired head coach Derek Fisher.
Fisher went 40-96 as the coach of the Knicks after signing a 5-year, $25 Million deal in 2014.
The Knicks have lost five games in a row and nine of their last ten, and are on the verge of falling out of the playoff race.
Kurt Rambis will serve as the interim head coach.
The Knicks have hired Kurt Rambis to be an assistant coach on Derek Fisher’s staff, according to reports. Rambis won four championships with the Lakers as a player in the 1980s and won 2 more as an assistant coach under current Knicks President Phil Jackson. Rambis had an unsuccessful tenure as the head coach of the Timberwolves before returning to the Lakers as an assistant last season. Kurt was reportedly in contention for the Lakers’ vacant head coaching job, but it appears that Phil Jackson has lured him across the country to Madison Square Garden. Rambis is deeply familiar with Jackson’s Triangle Offense, which is likely a large reason for his hiring.
Reports on Wednesday suggested that the offer Rambis had received from the Knicks was one of the largest ever given to an assistant coach. ESPN’s Ian Begley reported a few minutes ago that Rambis had accepted the offer.
-Tommy Rothman
By Tommy Rothman
As you may have heard, the Knicks need a coach. Phil Jackson’s top target, Steve Kerr, recently took a job with the Warriors, leaving the Zen Master hanging. So who will the Knicks turn to next? Here is a breakdown of the candidates who have been linked to the Knicks in some way over the past few months, as well as some other guys who could conceivably enter the picture.
The Big Names
Jeff Van Gundy
WHY: Had success coaching the Knicks in the 90s, well-respected in the league, would be a very popular hire.
WHY NOT: Has never worked with Phil, no reports indicate that Jackson is considering bringing him aboard.
Mark Jackson
WHY: Former Knicks star would be welcomed at MSG, did a solid job coaching the Warriors, still young enough to adjust to Phil. Has reportedly been added to Phil’s list as a candidate. Melo reportedly would like to play for him.
WHY NOT: Has never worked with Phil, doesn’t run the Triangle (yet), has a job with ESPN, reportedly clashed with management in Golden State.
George Karl
WHY: Was the Coach of the Year in 2013 before being fired by Denver, has won over 1,000 games.
WHY NOT: Has blasted the Knicks publicly in recent years, his arrival would almost certainly send Carmelo Anthony elsewhere.
Tom Thibodeau
WHY: Considered one of the game’s elite coaches, would transform the Knicks defensively, bring an instant culture change.
WHY NOT: Under contract with Chicago; the Knicks would likely have to provide draft pick or player compensation to the Bulls.
Lionel Hollins
WHY: Led Memphis to the Western Conference Finals in 2013.
WHY NOT: Seems to have a weak reputation in coaching circles despite his success.
Doc Rivers:
WHY: One of the best leaders in the league, a creative mind with the clipboard . Could leave LA in wake of Sterling scandal.
WHY NOT: With Sterling likely on the way out, he’s probably not going anywhere.
Phil Jackson
WHY: The most decorated coach in NBA history, instantly brings legitimacy to the team. The job is his if he wants it.
WHY NOT: Has repeatedly said that he is done coaching, in part because of his health.
Jerry Sloan
WHY: Legendary coach who manned the helm for the Jazz for 22 years. Has been linked to the Knicks on occasion.
WHY NOT: Might not be interested in coaching again, and probably wouldn’t make any adjustments for Phil.
John Calipari
WHY: One of the most successful coaches in the NCAA.
WHY NOT: Seems unlikely to ditch his comfortable position in Kentucky for the NBA.
The Triangle Guys
Brian Shaw
WHY: Deep knowledge of the Triangle, did a solid job in Denver, might be interested in working for his old coach.
WHY NOT: Under contract in Denver (although they might let him out), not the flashiest name.
Derek Fisher
WHY: Has led championship teams on the court running the triangle and has more formal leadership experience as the former head of the NBAPA. One of Jackson’s best Triangle pupils, will retire at the end of the season.
WHY NOT: Has no actual coaching experience. Lakers might steal him away.
Scottie Pippen
WHY: Won 6 championships running the Triangle on Jackson’s Bulls, Knicks have reportedly shown interest.
WHY NOT: Has no coaching experience and isn’t considered a major candidate. Could still come aboard as an assistant.
Kurt Rambis
WHY: Has a close relationship with Jackson and solid knowledge of the Triangle.
WHY NOT: Poor coaching record up to this point would make him an ugly hire. More suited for an assistant position.
Mike Dunleavy Sr.
WHY: Veteran NBA coach who has reportedly interviewed for the job. Has used elements of the Triangle despite never playing for Phil.
WHY NOT: Again, has never played for Phil. Ran into legal trouble a few years back. Lakers could pursue him.
Luke Walton:
WHY: Knows the triangle, his name was reportedly thrown around by Knicks executives.
WHY NOT: Hiring him would be a PR disaster, not a strong candidate.
Tyronn Lue
WHY: Knows the triangle well, probably a better candidate than Walton.
WHY NOT: Still doesn’t have much going for him, hiring him would be a surprise.
Metta World Peace
WHY: Knows the Triangle.
WHY NOT: Is only in this article to help me make the point that knowing the Triangle does not necessarily make a good coach.
The Wild Card
Patrick Ewing
WHY: Knicks legend, would be welcomed at the Garden, should have been given a chance years ago.
WHY NOT: Has a job as an assistant in Charlotte, so the Knicks might have blown their chance. Has never played for Phil. Would be better suited as an assistant than an assistant coach in NY.
In all likelihood, one of these men will be the next coach of the New York Knicks. My money at this point is on Fisher, although I am hoping for JVG or Mark Jackson.
And oh yeah, here’s a meme:
-Tommy Rothman
New York Knicks Memes 