Derek Fisher is already in contention for coaching jobs with the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, but he isn’t even sure whether he’s going to hang up his cleats yet.
In his final meeting with the media on Sunday, Fisher said he isn’t sure whether he wants to retire. At this point, he said it’s “still too early” to determine his future, though he admitted he would like to pursue a leadership role such as coaching in the future.
Derek Fisher says it’s still too early to determine if he’s going to hang ’em up.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 1, 2014
Fisher says over the last decade or so he’s felt like his calling in life was to be in a leadership role.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 1, 2014
Fisher on currently having multiple coaching opportunities: “It’s surreal to think about, for sure.”
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 1, 2014
More Fisher on possibly coaching Kobe: “If something like that were to happen, we’re brothers so we’ll figure it out.”
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 1, 2014
Fisher seemed genuinely unsure of what’s next but spoke as a man who knows this chapter of his career is likely over.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) June 1, 2014
Fisher, who will turn 40 in August, just wrapped up his 18th season in the NBA after the Oklahoma City Thunder were bounced in the Western Conference Finals by the San Antonio Spurs. This season, Fisher averaged 5.2 points per game, his lowest total since his rookie year in 1996-97, and a career-low 1.4 assists per game.
At this point in his career, Fisher is a borderline contributor off the bench, with his greatest attribute being his veteran leadership.
Fisher is considered the frontrunner for the Knicks’ coaching vacancy since the team struck out on Choice A, Steve Kerr, who has since accepted the same position with the Golden State Warriors. Fisher played point guard for nine seasons in Los Angeles under coach Phil Jackson, now the president of the Knicks, and two are still close.
It has been widely reported Jackson was waiting for Fisher’s playoff run with the Thunder to come to an end before discussing the job.
Fisher is also on the Lakers’ radar. Fisher played 13 seasons in Los Angeles after being drafted by the team in the 1996 NBA Draft. He won five titles with the Lakers, who have reportedly interviewed a handful of other candidates already. Other candidates include Kurt Rambis, Lionel Hollins and Mike Dunleavy.
