Little Rock’s Derek Fisher named coach of WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
LOS ANGELES — Former NBA player and coach Derek Fisher (Little Rock Parkview, UALR) has been hired to coach the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
The Sparks announced the move Wednesday, five days after longtime WNBA coach Brian
Agler resigned.
Fisher helped the Los Angeles Lakers win five NBA titles during his 18-season playing career and served as president of the players’ union. He coached the New York Knicks from 2014-2016. He played for the Lakers in 12 of his first 14 seasons before being traded to the Houston Rockets in the 2011-12 season.
“I’m excited to be the new head coach of the LA Sparks,” Fisher said in a team statement. “There is no finer organization in the WNBA and I can’t wait to work with our ownership group, front office, talented players and staff to cement a culture of sustained excellence, which is what LA basketball fans demand — and deserve.”
Fisher, 44, is the 12th coach in Sparks history.
In a team statement, Penny Toler, the Sparks’ executive vice president and general manager, said Fisher “is a champion and proven leader on and off the court. With his wealth of experience as a former player and head coach, I can’t think of a better steward for our basketball team moving forward.”
Fisher will hold a news conference Friday, the Sparks announced.
“Derek is a great basketball mind who brings a ton of high-level experience to our team,” two-time MVP Candace Parker said. “I look forward to working with someone with championship pedigree and who has a track record of strong leadership.
“Derek has been a strong supporter of women’s basketball for quite some time, so it’s nice to officially welcome him.”
Agler had a 85-51 record with the Sparks and led the team to the 2016 WNBA championship. The Sparks were 19-15 in 2018, falling to the Washington Mystics in the second round of the playoffs.