As the goodwill of drafting Kristaps Porzingis slowly settles, the focus on actual results and the playoff chase slides to the forefront for the Knicks. It’s something that Derek Fisher wanted nothing to do with when asked Tuesday.
“The focus on the process is more important than the result,” he said.
Lowering expectations makes sense for the coach of a losing team but is harder to swallow when the franchise spends over $100 million in the offseason, doesn’t own its first-round pick and is flushing away the backend of Carmelo Anthony’s prime. New York’s current stretch of six losses in its last seven games most benefits Toronto’s pursuit of more ping pong balls in the draft lottery, which is the lingering stench of trading for Andrea Bargnani.