Triangle could get reshaped for next season
LOS ANGELES — Derek Fisher gave his first indication there could be a little less triangle next season.
Asked specifically if there could be a movement to broaden the system, Fisher for once didn’t say this is what the Knicks are and plan to be. But Fisher, speaking at Thursday’s shootaround before the Knicks faced the Lakers, made sure to add he’s still on board with the structured offense that has come under fire in some circles — including from exKnick J.R. Smith.
“I mean, anything’s possible,’’ Fisher said. “But that’s based on conversations and discussion unfortunately starting April 15 [when the season ends]. We’ll have a lot of time to figure out a lot of things.’’
Smith raised the possibility of free agents wanting a more freewheeling style than the old-fashioned triangle offense that won Jackson 11 rings. Fisher hopes it’s not the case.
“I don’t know — that’s more so for Phil and [GM] Steve [Mills] to think about f rom t hat perspective whether or not players are thinking that,’’ Fisher said. “In free agency, everyone’s selling something. Selling a city, team, chance to win a championship, more minutes, a bigger role. I don’t know if players decide if the system is making the biggest difference. Free agency, money tends to say a lot to guys and guys make decisions based on their families. We’re selling who we are. Right now, it’s part of who we are. I don’t think a guy who knows how to play basketball will be afraid to come here to play basketball.’’
Fisher still sounded true to the triangle. Jackson said Thursday he thinks it can be a benefit, giving the Knicks an identity.
“It means more to me than just basketball,’’ said Fisher, the former point guard who won five titles running the system in Los Angeles. “I wouldn’t be running it if I didn’t think it would actually work. To get into a debate on whether or not the shape of your offense is deciding how many games you win or lose, it just doesn’t make sense.”
Even with their lottery pick and cap space, Fisher said the Knicks need more time before declaring themselves ready to win it all next season.
“I don’t think we can somehow look to next season and say we’re supposed to win a championship,’’ Fisher said. “We’re at the very bottom or below the ground level for the type of work we have to do to turn this around. We have to continue evaluate everything we do.’’
➤ Ex-Knick/ex-Laker Metta World Peace showed up at the UCLA gym where the Knicks conducted their shootaround. World Peace wanted to sign over the summer, but the Knicks weren’t interested enough. He went to China, where he got injured.
The Knicks still have one roster spot open. Asked if he wanted to suit up against the Lakers, he quipped, “Tell them to contact me when they’re better.’’
➤ Fisher said he doesn’t expect Jose Calderon (Achilles strain) to play in the final two games of the current trip. … Quincy Acy left the team to be with an ill relative in Texas. … Fisher said he occasionally came to blows with ex-teammate
Kobe Bryant in their 1-on-1 wars. “I had a big chip on my shoulder, he had a bigger chip on his shoulder,’’ Fisher said.