The New York Knicks might have to wait until the playoffs are over before they hire a new head coach.
The New York Daily News reports that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher is emerging as the leading candidate for the Knicks head coaching job, following a rejection from Steve Kerr. Kerr was Knicks president Phil Jackson’s first choice, but he chose to take the job with the Golden State Warriors to be closer to his family.
The Thunder are currently ahead in their second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers 3-2. Fisher will retire once the playoffs are over, but if his team makes it to the NBA Finals, that wouldn’t happen for over a month.
Fisher played on the Los Angeles Lakers under Jackson for most of his career, and Jackson has faith in him even though he obviously has no coaching experience.
The Daily News also reported that Jackson could assemble a qualified coaching staff around Fisher in Kurt Rambis and Bill Cartwright, who both have head coaching experience. If Fisher declines or doesn’t make the cut, Rambis would likely be their next choice.
Photo via Twitter/@OKCThunder
