Phil Jackson said it was time "time to make a change" shortly after firing one of his prized pupils.
The Knicks president told reporters Monday that he felt the time was right to drop Derek Fisher as the team’s coach after a season and a half in charge.
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“I think it's nine losses in the last 10 games. I think it’s the business of winning," Jackson said, via ESPN. "Derek was prepared, he took this business seriously. I think he was a dedicated worker.”
Jackson said that some of the onus for the Knicks' 23-31 record this season falls on the players, but felt Monday's move was necessary.