Basketball: Knicks hire former Lakers player as coach

NEW YORK

New York Knicks' new president Phil Jackson hired his former player from the Los Angeles Lakers, Derek Fisher, as head coach on Tuesday.

39-year-old Derek Fisher, who just completed his 18th season in the NBA as a player for the Oklahoma City Thunder this year, signed a five-year US$25 million dollar deal with the New York Knicks, according to NBA.com. He replaces Mike Woodson who led the Knicks to a dismal 37-45 record this season. They did not reach the playoffs.

With 11 NBA titles under his belt as coach for the L.A. Lakers and the Chicago Bulls, Phil Jackson appointed a man he trusts, Derek Fisher, to run his precious triangle offense. Although Fisher has never coached, he spent close to ten years with as point guard for Phil Jackson's Lakers. running the triangle offense, which is based on crisp ball movement and teamwork. Two qualities the Knicks sorely lacked this past year.

At the press conference on Tuesday, Fisher acknowledged his lack of experience as coach but pointed to his numerous years as a player. 

"Basketball is a game that I am experienced in playing, understanding, leading in, guiding in, helping another group of people achieve the greatest gift in the world as a professional athlete, and that's being a champion, said Fisher according to NBA,com. That I have experience in, and that's the experience that I plan on sharing with these players, sharing with this organization."

Fisher, who won five championships while coached by Phil Jackson, also managed the NBA Players Association as president, during the NBA lock-out in 2011. A seasoned veteran, he holds the NBA record for most playoff games played, with 259.

Now that Phil Jackson finally has a new coach, he hopes to convince Knick star Carmelo Anthony to remain with the organization. New York's leading scorer can opt out of his contract this summer.    

www.aa.com.tr/en