Ryan Kelly returned to practice on Saturday in a limited capacity but his status remains up in the air for Sunday’s game as he continues to battle a right hamstring injury.
“He’s questionable but it’s more like doubtful. I want to see if he can go a full day of practice on Monday and then we’ll go from there,” Byron Scott said.
While Derek Fisher, left, listens, New York Knicks president Phil Jackson speaks during a news conference in Tarrytown, N.Y., Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The Knicks hired Fisher as their new coach on Tuesday, with Jackson turning to one of his trustiest former players. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The question marks surrounding Derek Fisher’s first day as the New York Knicks’ head coach goes beyond whether his leadership qualities and relationship with president Phil Jackson can overcome the lack of previous head-coaching experience. Or whether Carmelo Anthony will leave through free agency. Or whether the floundering Knicks can become a championship contending franchise.
How will Fisher round out his coaching staff? A few possibilities have already emerged.
The Knicks already have received permission to talk with Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis. Although he said he has talked with Fisher and Jackson since the hire, former Lakers forward Luke Walton told this newspaper in an interview on Tuesday that he is “absolutely” interested in joining Fisher’s staff.
“I do think Derek Fisher is a great hire for that organization,” said Walton, who currently serves as a Time Warner Cable SportsNet Lakers Studio Analyst and a player development coach for the D-Fenders. “As far as being a leader and a hard worker and an absolute winner in everything he does, I think Derek Fisher is the perfect example of all those things. I think he’s going to do a great job.”
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