Mobile Menu
HEADLINES

Derek Fisher

Coaching Rumors: Jazz, Fisher, Cavs, Lakers

June 6th, 2014 at 5:27pm CST by Cray Allred

It’ll be a long time, if ever, before we see Coach Cal back in the NBA.  John Calipari‘s new contract with the University of Kentucky, which takes him through 2021, doesn’t have a buyout, a source tells Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv (on Twitter).  Calipari coached the Nets to a 72-112 record over three seasons in the late 90s but has found himself linked to several high-profile jobs thanks to his success at UK. Here’s more from the coaching front:

  • Brad Jones will be hired as an assistant on Quin Snyder‘s coaching staff for the Jazz, tweets Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune. Jones’ hiring was expected when news of Snyder landing the job surfaced earlier today.
  • While Alex Jensen is set to move up as an assistant with Snyder, Jody Genessy of Deseret News is hearing that other teams might make a play to hire Jensen away from the Jazz (Twitter link).
  • Right now, it seems like Knicks president Phil Jackson is only interested in coaching candidates who come from his inner circle, writes Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com.  Steve Kerr, of course, was Phil’s first choice and the current presumed frontrunner, Derek Fisher, has a long history with the Zen Master.
  • The Knicks hope to secure Fisher for head coaching duties next week, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com.
  • Stein adds that the Cavs are likely to make the next coaching hire after the Knicks, and that the Lakers are still “in no rush” to fill their vacancy.
  • Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders runs down the Lakers coaching candidates and attempts to identify the best fit for the job.  Byron Scott and Lionel Hollins, in his view, should be considered strong candidates.
  • Jeff Van Gundy told KFAN 1003 that while he would have “loved to work for [Flip Saunders]” and live and coach in Minnesota, he couldn’t get past the idea that Saunders was the best coach for the Wolves, according to the T’Wolves PR Twitter account.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Atlantic Notes: Fisher, Knicks, MCW, Rondo

June 5th, 2014 at 10:08pm CST by Charlie Adams

Knicks president Phil Jackson sought and obtained permission from Thunder GM Sam Presti to interview Derek Fisher this week, reports Marc Berman of the New York Post. The pair spoke on Wednesday and plan to reconvene next week sometime, hears Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. It doesn’t sound as if the discourse has been formal, but talks may quickly pick up after this weekend when Fisher discusses with his family whether or not he’ll retire, suggests Wojnarowski. Here’s more from the Knicks and the Atlantic:

  • The Knicks worked out Florida guard Scottie Wilbekin yesterday, reveals Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter).
  • Michael Carter-Williams is unfazed by a report indicating that the Sixers have considered trading him and hasn’t directed agent Jeff Schwartz to check with GM Sam Hinkie about the rumor, as the Rookie of the Year tells Tom Moore of Calkins Media.
  • Rajon Rondo appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America this morning and admitted that he hopes that the Celtics can make some big changes this offseason to improve the team (Instagram video link). He praised Danny Ainge‘s performance as an executive but also suggested he’s eager to be back playing in the finals soon.
  • Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com examines why Nick Johnson’s family ties make the projected second-round pick a good fit to play for the Celtics. Boston doesn’t currently own a second-round selection in the upcoming draft.
  • The uncertainty on whether or not upcoming free agent Kyle Lowry is going to return to Toronto will put the Raptors in a difficult decision come draft day, opines Eric Koreen of the National Post.

Chuck Myron contributed to this post.

Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Thunder GM On Brooks, Fisher, Jackson, Perkins

June 5th, 2014 at 12:16pm CST by Chuck Myron

It appears that Scott Brooks will remain coach of the Thunder, as GM Sam Presti said today that Brooks has done an “excellent job” and expressed optimism that the coach will perform even better next year, as The Oklahoman’s Darnell Mayberry notes (Twitter links). Mayberry has plenty more from the GM’s press conference, and we’ll pass along the highlights here:

  • Derek Fisher seems to have Presti’s blessing to chase head coaching jobs with other teams this summer. Presti said the free agent guard has no obligation to keep the Thunder informed of his plans and has to do what’s best for him, as Mayberry passes along (Twitter links). “The only thing we have a right to do is to support him,” Presti said.
  • Presti appeared to downplay the idea of an extension for Reggie Jackson this summer, though the GM cautioned that the team is not considering a trade that sends him out, reminiscent of the decision to trade James Harden rather than give him an extension. “Generally, these things don’t happen in July, and the trend now is they don’t happen by the October 31st deadline,” Presti said, according to Mayberry (Twitter links).
  • The team hasn’t given thought to amnestying Kendrick Perkins, Presti said, according to Mayberry (via Twitter).
  • Oklahoma City is open to trading its pair of first round picks, Presti said, as Mayberry tweets. The Thunder have reportedly promised Kristaps Porzingis that they’ll draft him in the first round.
  • The GM indicated that the club will exercise caution with long-term deals in free agency this summer to protect future flexibility, Mayberry tweets.
  • Presti gave Mayberry the impression that he won’t push to sign “draft-and-stash” players Tibor Pleiss and Alex Abrines. The GM suggested that he’ll examine it, but cap worries would likely forestall a deal with either of them, Mayberry believes (Twitter links). “A lot of it is timing for them,” Presti said.
Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Lakers Notes: LaVine, Draft, Coaching Search

June 4th, 2014 at 6:48pm CST by Alex Lee

Jumping 46 inches, UCLA’s Zach LaVine broke the vertical leap record for his hometown Lakers on Wednesday, reports Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times. LaVine, who was one of 12 prospects in today’s workout in L.A., projects as a mid-first round pick but has the type of upside that could propel him into the top 10 should he continue to impress. Bresnahan outlines the team’s morning workout as well in a separate post.

Hear are some other reports, draft-related and otherwise, coming out of Los Angeles today:

  • Nik Stauskas and Rodney Hood both backed out of the Lakers workout on Wednesday, reports ESPN’s Dave McMenamin (via Twitter). The duo, both surefire first rounders, were replaced by Davion Berry of Weber State and Jerry Evans of Nevada.
  • In what seems to be becoming a theme, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak told McMenamin that need is not really a part of the team’s strategy at No. 7: “Because we’ve only got four players on the roster, we’re not really limited to looking at a position. We need help everywhere.” (via Twitter)
  • Mark Medina also has some similar draft nuggets from Kupchak in his latest, but also touches on the team’s coaching search, which the GM described as “ongoing” on Wednesday. Medina believes that Kupchak prefers a veteran coach but wouldn’t rule out something as open-minded as hiring former Laker Derek Fisher. The last we heard about the team’s coaching search was that SMU coach Larry Brown would not be part of it.
Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Eastern Rumors: Stephenson, Nets, Fisher

June 4th, 2014 at 1:00pm CST by Chuck Myron

One GM tells Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops that Lance Stephenson is probably in line for a three year deal worth $8-10MM annually, adding that the “immaturity” he showed in the playoffs hurt his value to a degree. On talent alone, Stephenson would be worth between $10-12MM a year, the GM believes, according to Scotto. Still, another GM thinks the shooting guard is headed for annual salaries of $4-6MM, while two agents say he’s likely to receive deal along the lines of three years and $18MM, Scotto reports. Scotto also reiterates a February report that cast the Bulls and Hornets among likely suitors for Stephenson. Here’s more from the:

  • Nets GM Billy King won’t rule out trading for a late first-round pick, but Brooklyn’s more likely to end up with a second-rounder, observes Marc Berman of the New York Post (Twitter link). King indicated earlier that the team is thinking about acquiring a selection.
  • The Nets will almost certainly decline their team option for 2015/16 on Marquis Teague‘s rookie scale contract, writes Tim Bontemps of the New York Post. The deadline for a decision on the option, worth more than $2MM, is October 31st this year.
  • Derek Fisher‘s duties when he was union president made him familiar with Knicks owner James Dolan, and Fisher believes he can be successful within in the Knicks organization if he ends up coaching the team, a source tells Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
  • The Bucks have interviewed Dante Exum and will put him through a workout and a physical, as Chad Ford of ESPN.com reports in the latest version of his Insider-only Big Board.
  • Geron Johnson, Justin Simmons and Kendall Williams are among the second-round prospects working out for the Bucks today, the team announced (Twitter link). Milwaukee is also auditioning Devyn Marble, confirming Marble’s own Twitter report.
Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Pacific Notes: Ballmer, Fisher, Sterling

June 2nd, 2014 at 6:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The impact of Steve Ballmer‘s $2 billion purchase of the Clippers is causing a ripple effect throughout the league, writes NBA.com’s David Aldridge.  Aldridge runs down the “winners” of the pending transaction, in order.  At the top, of course, is the Microsoft magnate himself.  After that, it’s the NBA owners, LeBron James, and then the Players Association. Here’s more out of the Pacific..

  • The Lakers do plan to reach out to Derek Fisher this week as well as Larry Brown and Scott Skiles at some point about their coaching vacancy, but their search is proceeding slowly, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com (Twitter links).  The Lakers are focused more on player evaluation at present.
  • In an email to Shelburne (Twitter link), Max Blecher, the lawyer for Clippers owner Donald Sterling said, “We are still considering our options,” with regard to legal action versus the NBA and Shelly Sterling.
  • The Kings are without a second-round pick, but they’re on the lookout for one via trade, GM Pete D’Alessandro said, as Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee details. “Our ownership group has put their money where their mouth is,” D’Alessandro said.“For us there would be no need to look at second-round pick (talent) if there was no real option, and that is an option.” Some second-round prospects have avoided Sacramento, given the lack of a pick, but that hasn’t been the case with all of them, and D’Alessandro isn’t dismayed, Jones notes.

Chuck Myron contributed to this post.

Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Knicks Emerge As Favorites For Derek Fisher

June 2nd, 2014 at 2:44pm CST by Chuck Myron

2:44pm: The NBA has fined Jackson $25K for tampering with Fisher, stemming from Jackson’s comments in a press conference last week, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com (Twitter links). Meanwhile, the Lakers plan to interview more candidates, but it’s not clear if Fisher will be among them, according to Sam Amick of USA Today. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak is likely to call Fisher soon to gauge his interest before deciding whether to interview him, Amick writes.

1:02pm: The Knicks appear to have greater interest than the Lakers do in hiring Derek Fisher as coach, writes Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. There’s no indication that the Lakers will give Fisher serious consideration, Wojnarowski hears, as they focus their attention on experienced candidates. Fisher said yesterday that he hadn’t spoken with any NBA teams about their vacancies, but Knicks president Phil Jackson has publicly expressed his support for the Thunder guard, and both the Knicks and Fisher expect to start talks by the end of the week, Wojnarowski reports.

Jackson and “the Knicks’ support system” are attractive to Fisher, according to Wojnarowski. Steve Kerr appeared to have concerns about the trappings of the Knicks organization before he took the Warriors job instead, but perhaps Fisher isn’t as worried about owner James Dolan and others in the Madison Square Garden company.

New York seems focused primarily on Fisher for the coaching job, while the Lakers have interviewed Mike Dunleavy, Kurt Rambis, Byron Scott and Lionel Hollins, as Wojnarowski points out. Alvin Gentry is also on the list of those reportedly set to interview with the purple-and-gold.

Fisher still hasn’t announced his retirement from playing, and a report last week indicated he may rejoin the Thunder in a reduced playing role that would allow him to function much like an assistant coach on the bench. Still, it seems more likely that Fisher will walk away from the game, whether it’s to pursue coaching or another capacity.

Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

And-Ones: Rockets, Melo, Fisher, Corbin

June 1st, 2014 at 9:27pm CST by Zachary Links

Rockets owner Les Alexander says he wants to make a “big splash” this summer but wanting to doesn’t make it so, writes Bill Ingram of Basketball Insiders.  Carmelo Anthony is clearly target number one for Houston, but he is also the least likely to get Houston beyond the second round.  Scoring was not the Rockets’ problem in 2013/14, so adding Anthony wouldn’t make them substantially better, Ingram argues.  Others possible targets like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving could make a huge difference, but it’ll be hard to land either one for different reasons. More from around the NBA..

  • Derek Fisher told reporters, including Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman (on Twitter), that it’s too early to determine if he’s going to retire.  Of course, if the Thunder veteran steps away from playing, he’ll find himself among the hottest coaching candidates in the league with vacancies on the Lakers and Knicks benches.
  • Croatian forward Damjan Rudez will workout for the Cavaliers in the coming days, according to a report from Gigantes passed along by Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.  Rudez, who went undrafted in 2008, ended his season with CAI Zaragoza averaging 10.4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.  He is under contract with the club but he does have a buyout clause.
  • Former Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin is set to interview for an assistant coaching gig with the Kings, a source tells Jody Genessy of the Deseret News.  Corbin had spent the past ten years with Utah in various capacities.
Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Latest On Derek Fisher

June 1st, 2014 at 8:56am CST by Eddie Scarito

Derek Fisher doesn’t plan on taking long to decide his next step and will discuss the matter with his family before making any decision, writes Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports. Fisher said, “Obviously, there are a number of people that are going to be impacted by the decision I do make whether I continue to play or [if] I decide to do something else within the game. Whatever it is, there is a lot at stake. I’m not going to rush. I’m not going to be emotional. Right now there is a lot of emotion. As soon as possible, I’m going to try to take the best next steps.”

More on Fisher:

  • Fisher says he hasn’t had any contact with Phil Jackson or any other NBA executives in terms of coaching jobs, tweets Spears.
  • With the Thunder having been eliminated from the playoffs, the focus will now turn to whether or not Fisher will become the next coach of the Knicks. Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv looks at where Jackson might turn if Fisher turns the team down. According to Zagoria, the next two candidates on the list may be Tyronn Lue and Bill Cartwright.
  • The Lakers may have some interest in Fisher for their head coaching vacancy, writes Mitch Lawrence of The New York Daily News. The interest is primarily because of Fisher’s close relationship with Kobe Bryant, notes Lawrence. On the Lakers potential interest, Fisher said, “I’ve obviously heard things and been asked questions. But I’ve had to control the external noise. I’ve learned through experience to hold those things at bay. Over the next couple of days I will continue with that. There’s a right way to wrap this season up and show it the proper respect it deserves.”
  • He realizes the Knicks are waiting to meet with him about their coaching vacancy but Fisher hasn’t confirmed if he will interview with the team, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Fisher said, “I’ll try to [do] that as soon as possible for all parties involved and can make the decisions that need to be made. Interview is a strong word at this point. I haven’t had any direct conversations with any executives — Phil Jackson, the Lakers. I think interview is a strong word. There’ll be conversations at some point. This is still pretty raw and fresh — at least for the next day or two.” According to Berman, Jackson confirmed  he “definitely’’ will speak with Fisher, but added there are “lots of unknowns” on whether Fisher will take the job, primarily referring to Fisher’s young children in Los Angeles.
Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0

Atlantic Rumors: Jackson, Kerr, Sixers, Love

May 31st, 2014 at 3:09pm CST by Charlie Adams

Phil Jackson called Derek Fisher a “good candidate” for the Knicks coaching job, but the Zen Master admitted there are a lot of unknowns about the Thunder guard’s future, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post. “He’s got a family in L.A.,” said Jackson. “He’s got little kids in L.A. I have no idea if he wants to move his family and come here. There’s so many unknowns.” Here’s more out of the Atlantic:

  • Jackson harbors no hard feelings toward Steve Kerr despite his decision to take the head coaching job in Golden State, reveals Berman in the same piece. Kerr originally made a commitment to take the Knicks vacant coaching gig but spurned Jackson and New York once he was given a more appealing offer from the Warriors.
  • Kerr’s discussions with former Knicks employees discouraged him from taking the job, reports Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, who also adds Jackson’s presence is the only reason Kerr even considered accepting New York’s offer (Twitter links).
  • With the third and 10th picks in the exceptionally deep 2014 draft, the Sixers potentially have a chance to land two impact players. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders takes a look at the various options Philly will have with each selection.
  • Kevin Love visited Boston last night to get a feel for the city, passes along Kevin O’Connor of CelticsBlog. A trip to Beantown certainly isn’t indicative of a desire to play for the Celtics, but Boston has shown interest in acquiring the T’Wolves big man, who can opt out of his current contract at season’s end.
Retweet 0 Share 0 Send via email0
Load More Posts