Choose wisely, Phil Jackson.
The New York Knicks fired head coach Derek Fisher earlier this week and named Kurt Rambis their interim head coach. Several intriguing names with head coaching experience are available, though, and Jackson’s decision ultimately could influence the Knicks’ chances of landing a star player this offseason.
Kevin Durant is set to become a free agent after this season, at which point several teams undoubtedly will make strong sales pitches to the seven-time All-Star. League sources told ESPN.com’s Ian Begley that the Knicks have been informed that their chances of signing Durant would be influenced by hiring Scott Brooks, who coached Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder up until his firing in April.
The Knicks currently are viewed as long shots to sign Durant. And league sources told Begley their chances took a hit when they fired Fisher, who was going to be a factor in Durant’s free agency this summer. But hiring Brooks could pique Durant’s interest and increase New York’s odds of signing the superstar, though it’s unlikely Jackson will make his coaching decision solely on those grounds.
In fact, Begley suggests the Knicks’ coaching job is Rambis’ to lose, seeing as how he already has a relationship with Jackson and runs the triangle offense. We’ll see if Durant’s star shines bright enough in Jackson’s eyes to make him consider Brooks when push comes to shove.
Thumbnail photo via Mark D. Smith/USA TODAY Sports Images
