NBA Rumors: Knicks Firing Derek Fisher Hurts New York’s Chances To Sign Kevin Durant
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this week, the New York Knicks made a surprising move to fire head coach Derek Fisher after only a season and a half as the team’s leader on the sidelines. The Knicks have struggled under Fisher, but it seemed as though things may be turning around this season.
After losing nine of their last 10 games, New York decided to part ways with Fisher. The Knicks brass believed Fisher had lost the locker room with the five-time NBA champion no longer able to inspire his players.
As a result of Fisher’s departure, the Knicks franchise may have suffered a severe blow to their chances of signing superstar Kevin Durant in NBA free agency this summer, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley:
New York faces long odds to land Durant to begin with. And their chances took a hit after Derek Fisher was fired, league sources say.
Last year, the Knicks finished with a second-to-worst record in the NBA. New York won only 17 games last season which was only one win better than the Minnesota Timberwolves (16-66). Carmelo Anthony and company have already surpassed last year’s win total by six games at 23-32.
Regardless of the improvement, Fisher is now unemployment and Durant coming to New York may be a long shot, to say the least. The Knicks will be one of many teams to pursue Durant in free agency come July. The Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder will all take their shot at bringing in the one-time NBA MVP.
At this point, the Knicks hope to right the ship while trying to make the playoffs this season. The Detroit Pistons (27-26) are currently in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference with the Orlando Magic (23-28), Washington Wizards (23-27), and Charlotte Hornets (26-26) all ahead of the Knicks in the race for the final spot in the East.
Although not out of the playoff picture, New York will have a tough hill to climb moving forward. The Knicks have 1000/1 odds to win the Atlanta Division, 500/1 to win the East, and 1500/1 to win it all, according to Sportsbook.ag.
