Knicks Fire Derek Fisher; Kurt Rambis Takes Interim Coach Role

The New York Knicks caused a stir by choosing to hire Derek Fisher, the year after he retired as a player, to be its next head coach. And the team made headlines again today, as it fired Fisher midway through his second regular season with the team.

The Knicks announced today that Fisher was relieved of his duties and will be replaced by another former NBA standout, Kurt Rambis, who will take over as interim coach.

Derek Fisher Kurt Rambis New York Knicks — Derek Fisher (left) during a time out next to associate coach Kurt Rambis (right).

CREDIT: AP Images

During Fisher’s first season, the team had a 17-65 record. The Knicks already have more wins halfway through this season than they did last season, and are currently sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 23-31 record. New York’s record puts them above three teams in the standings: the Milwaukee Bucks, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Carmelo Anthony, the team’s Jordan Brand-sponsored star, is averaging fewer points per game than in past seasons, scoring an average of 21.1 points in 47 games. Anthony – who hits the court in his Jordan Brand Melo M12 signature shoe – has averaged 25 points per game over his career.

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Jordan Melo M12 The Dungeon.

CREDIT: Courtesy of Foot Locker.

Fisher fared better on the court as a player than he did as a coach. The former guard is a five-time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers coached by Phil Jackson, the Knicks executive who hired him for the Knicks coaching position. Fisher played in brands including Nike and Adidas in 18 seasons in the league.