Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher are not on the same page with the issues of the New York Knicks. Jackson recently made headlines for questioning the effort being put forth by the team after a blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, Fisher is not so certain effort is what is holding the Knicks back right now. As the roster continues to shift with injuries and trades, is the personnel group the issue facing the Knicks at the moment?
Jackson tweeted out his displeasure with the Knicks after they suffered an ugly loss at home to the Cavaliers. The Knicks team president simply called the roster group out on their lack of drive and effort, claiming it was unpleasing to the "basketball gods." However, Fisher went on the defense of the roster. He understands that Jackson's methods of motivation are odd, but he has faith in the roster at the moment saying the Knicks are simply trying to do their best.
"I'm not really taking those as specific to any particular player, players, persons," Fisher said, via ESPN.com. "Phil is the president of the team. He has his opinions. When you guys see him, you can, I guess, talk to him or ask him exactly what they mean. From my standpoint, I think our guys are trying and giving effort. But it's a hard game. And we've been through a lot. It's been a tough year."
The Knicks have lost seven straight while holding on to the worst record in the NBA. They are coming off a 24-point loss to the Miami Heat and another 18-point loss to the Cavaliers. Fisher says that frustration is high right now. Amar'e Stoudemire is gone after having his contract bought out. Pablo Prigioni is gone after getting traded. Carmelo Anthony is out for the season as he prepares for knee surgery. Those are just the moves that happened over the All-Star break. The Knicks' roster is merely unrecognizable. Jackson admitted he was frustrated the team did not do more at the deadline with deals for Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani going unnoticed. Fisher believes that right now, everyone is just trying to get by.
"Well, yeah, we're beyond frustration," Fisher said. "But it's a requirement to find a renewed sense of purpose to every day. ... We can't predict how many more games we may or may not win. But you should be able to predict how hard you're going to try at it. That's one thing we should all be able to predict with 100 percent certainty."
Knicks fans should hold on tight to the hope the offseason brings. With salary cap space to spend, top names will be headed to the Big Apple, but first the team must survive the remaining two months.
