Wow, I really think Derek Fisher got the shaft. And from his mentor and pal Phil Jackson!
Fisher got handed a terrible Knicks team. After only a season and a half, they were showing signs of improvement until this recent losing streak.
Given where the team was when he took over, and the short time that he was in charge, I would say he was not given a fair shot to finally turn the team around and enjoy their resurrection. [It was only on January 29 that the Knicks blew out the Suns and everybody was upbeat and optimistic.]
They say he was a decent coach, a motivator and tactician. But lose 9 of 10 and you're outta here! I can hear him telling Jackson, "Thanks for the opportunity, Phil. Thanks a lot."
Here's my take: You bring me in to manage a terrible team like the 2014-2015 NY Knicks (17-65) in a season where
nobody is blaming the coach because it is obvious that the players are a bunch of lazy losers led by a sulky and selfish superstar. You give me at least one FULL season after that, having made some roster upgrades, to turn things around. You don't dump me mid-season because I have only gone from a .207 to a .426 winning percentage in half a season.
Phil Jackson is starting to get on my nerves. I am thinking of starting a "Why do people hate Phil Jackson?" thread.
