Derek Fisher: Knicks will compete for playoffs

New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher said his team will make a competitive run for the playoffs next season now that the re-signing of star forward Carmelo

New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher said his team will make a competitive run for the playoffs next season now that the re-signing of star forward Carmelo Anthony is official. 

Anthony signed a five-year deal reportedly worth at least $122 million, after getting free agent interest from the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Fisher was hired last month by the Knicks despite not having any head coaching experience. He replaced Mike Woodson who was fired after the Knicks finished the 2013-14 season with a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs. 

"My opinion is, based on our roster and who we’re going to become, we can compete for playing in the playoffs and playing for a championship in the Eastern Conference," Fisher said, via the New York Post. “When that happens, putting dates on it, that’s not my job."

Fisher said he has confidence in the roster, with Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani returning for the final year of their contracts and the additions of rookie Cleanthony Early and veteran point guard Jose Calderon.

"I believe in our guys," Fisher said. "Even if nothing else changes, we’re good enough to be a playoff team in the Eastern Conference, but we have to go out and prove it."

-Scooby Axson