Schmeelk: Knicks' Fisher Is Definitely Learning From His Mistakes
By John Schmeelk
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Derek Fisher has landed squarely in the crosshairs of many Knicks fans this season, and in some cases rightly so for some puzzling decisions.
Whether it has been the team's offense, pace, defense, lineups, or overall strategy, Fisher has been blamed for the Knicks' inability to play better than .500 basketball.
This coach is far from perfect, but he has taken great strides in his second season, and has started to figure things out. He's a big part of the reason the Knicks have won three straight.
Here are the places where Fisher has shown the most improvement:
The Knicks play hard: There were far too many games over the previous 15 years when you watched the Knicks play and it looked like nobody cared enough to play hard. I can't remember more than a couple instances this season when the team mailed it in and played with no effort. Sure, the Knicks have played poorly for stretches, but rarely does it look like there is a lack of effort. In today's NBA, getting maximum effort out of guys is a skill. It's clear Fisher can motivate people.
The Knicks play defense: Except for a short stretch during the end of Mike D'Antoni's tenure and at the beginning of Mike Woodson's, the Knicks haven't played anything resembling decent defense since Jeff Van Gundy was their coach. The Knicks are ranked 17th in defensive efficiency this season, which is downright average. However, compared to what the Knicks have been, average is fantastic.
It looks especially good when you realize none of the Knicks' three starting perimeter players are better than mediocre defenders. A newly dedicated Carmelo Anthony might be the best of them depending on the night. Jose Calderon might be the worst defensive starting point guard in the league. Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis make all the difference as rim protectors and pick-and-roll defenders, but Fisher's schemes and motivation should get credit, too.
Fisher has shortened his rotation: Barring foul trouble, Fisher has gotten his rotation down to nine players. The only players coming off the bench are Lance Thomas, Langston Galloway, Jerian Grant and Derrick Williams. Kyle O'Quinn is playing less and less. Kevin Seraphin, Sasha Vujacic and Lou Amundson have been seen less often than Big Foot. That's a good thing and has helped team chemistry immeasurably. The days of seeing 12 players all get run in the same game are over.
Lineups are more consistent: Fisher has finally figured out a consistent substitution pattern. Porzingis comes out first, and then returns to play with many of the reserves when Anthony heads to the bench. It's rare when neither Anthony nor Porzingis are on the floor at any given time. It's the same for Porzingis and Lopez, the Knicks' top two rim protectors. Usually one or the other is in the game. Thomas has taken on the role of a "3-and-D" player as the top wing player off the bench. Williams is a spark scorer. Galloway is solid. It works and it shows on the floor.
The team is playing together: The Knicks are, for the most part, playing team basketball and moving the ball. There are still times when Anthony and Arron Afflalo run isolation -- especially at the end of games -- but the offense is not stagnant. That pass from Lopez to Calderon for a layup late against Atlanta was beautiful. The offense is ranked 17th in terms of efficiency. It's not as bad as people think.
Melo has bought in: There's a ton of evidence that Anthony is on board with everything Fisher is selling. He has been as willing a passer as I have ever seen from him since he has joined the Knicks. There are far fewer tough, contested, mid-range jumpers. Anthony is finding open teammates for good shots, and enjoying the success of those teammates. He is also playing the best defense he has played since becoming a Knick. D'Antoni tried to sell Anthony on playing this way and it didn't take. Fisher deserves credit for making it happen.
Are things perfect? Certainly not. The pace can get better. I'd like to see more pick and roll with Grant and Porzingis. End of game execution can also improve. Porzingis needs to be more involved in the offense.
But a lot of the other problems Fisher was having at the start of the season are fading away, and it's to his credit. Young coaches have to learn and Fisher's curve was slowed because the Knicks' talent was so bad last season. This time around, we are seeing him improve and learn from his mistakes. There's still a ways to go, but the Knicks might just have a coach on their hands.
For everything Knicks, Giants and the world of sports, follow John on Twitter at @Schmeelk
