New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony “Surprised” by Derek Fisher Firing

Head coach Derek Fisher of the New York Knicks tries to calm Carmelo Anthony #7 after an exchange with DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden on January 22, 2016 in New York City. You become immune to that.

Anthony said he wasn’t consulted about the Fisher firing, and that everyone found out about the same time Monday morning. He has three years left in his deal with the Knicks, which include a no-trade clause.

Knicks President Phil Jackson, the man who initially handed Fisher the reins to the daunting rebuild process in Manhattan, was a former head coach of Rodman back in the 1990’s heyday of the Chicago Bulls. That’s a win for New York’s blossoming rookie. There have been rumors swirling around about Jackson looking to bring in a new head coach, but for the time being, it will be Rambis leading the Knicks. “Obviously, Im disappointed, but have learned an vast amount from this experience and hope to grow from it.” The Knicks went 17-65 last season but upgraded their roster during the summer with the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis and the signing of veterans Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez.

Jackson, who is nearing his two-year anniversary at the helm of the team, said he remains committed to building the Knicks into a top contender.

Rambis has differed from Fisher in one key area thus far: his expectations for the club. What about Carmelo Anthony?

‘I want to express my deepest gratitude to (owner) James Dolan, Phil Jackson, (general manager) Steve Mills and the entire New York Knicks organization for giving me this incredible opportunity, ‘ Fisher said in a statement.

The Knicks played their first game under Rambis but the result was no different.

“We have some core players that I think are really good, that connect, that play ball with intensity, that are dedicated to this business”. It should be our goal now, remain our goal.

But these Knicks, after a 22-22 start, have lost nine of 10, a lone victory over the struggling Phoenix Suns mixed in with a four-game, then five-game losing streak. With a record of 11-43 and sitting in last place in the Western Conference, big changes are going to need to be made.