Derek Fisher Officially Announced As Knicks Coach

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The Knicks have confirmed that Derek Fisher will become the next coach of the New York Knicks.

The news surfaced yesterday, but Fisher was officially announced as the Knicks head coach on Tuesday in a news conference at the team’s training facility.

“I’m excited to embark on the next phase of my basketball career and look forward to coaching a Knicks team that fans can be proud of,” the 39-year-old Fisher said in a statement on Tuesday morning. “It’s an honor to work alongside Phil Jackson, who is both a legend and friend as we strive together to reach our ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to New York.”

The Knicks did not release terms of the deal with the NBA veteran, but Yahoo! Sports reported on Monday that Fisher and the Knicks were in the last steps to finalize a five-year, $25 million agreement.

Fisher’s relationship with the Knicks’ team president, Phil Jackson, is believed to be a major factor behind the deal. Fisher played for Jackson during both of their time with the Los Angeles Lakers. Together they won five titles.

“Today marks the next step of this journey for the New York Knicks franchise as we name Derek to lead the team as its head coach,” Jackson said. “Our relationship began 15 years ago, and over time, it has come clear to me that he and I can form a great partnership once again.”

Fisher takes over the Knicks team who finished with just 37 wins last season and missed the playoffs for the first time in four years. Jackson fired Mike Woodson and his coaching staff shortly after the conclusion of the regular season. Fisher’s hire is the first significant step in an expected makeover of the team by Jackson.

Derek Fisher’s professional career spans more than 17 years, during which he won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. He ended his career as a player with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Read more at ESPN.

(Photo Credit: DereK Fisher Official Website)

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