The emotions have been boiling over for many around the Thunder news cycle, as a ending of a hard-fought Western Conference Finals matchup against the San Antonio Spurs has left many around the team feeling drained.
Derek Fisher is no exception. During an emotional 20-minute press conference the day after the Thunder were eliminated in Saturday's Game 6, Fisher addressed the future - including his "calling" to become an NBA head coach -
“Coaching allows me to positively impact other people’s lives, to help people find success when they haven’t or have, working together for common goal," Fisher said, via Marc Berman of the New York Post. "That’s what I did for 33 years as a player, starting with basketball at age 6. There’s a love for helping other people. Not playing anymore — if that’s what it’s to be — coaching or being in the front office or being in a role where I can positively impact others and work together for a common goal is exciting to me.”
The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are said to be primary players in the pursuit of Fisher. In knowledge of this, Fisher seems a bit overwhelmed by the situation.
“It’s surreal to think about for sure,’’ Fisher stated. “I always envisioned finishing up as a player and take a step back and go on a sabbatical for a year or two and be the best dad you can be for a while then make some decisions what to do next. That’s not the way the world works these days. That’s changed in business, sports, life. So much of life is timing and opportunity and being able to take advantage of right opportunities in right situations at the right time.”
Who has the inside track to land the beloved on-court leader? Don't discount Fisher's ties to Knicks president Phil Jackson.
“There’s for sure huge layers added to personal and professional relationship I’ve had with Phil Jackson over the years and the position he’s in,’’ Fisher said, fueling speculation of a potential Knicks hire. “Also with the Lakers having an opening for sure adds layers to it. Any important decision in life you can’t be driven completely by what’s going on externally."
"You have to have internal set of boundaries. I’ll combine all those things to make the best decision possible.’’
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