Kurt Rambis agrees to join Knicks as associate coach
Then-Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis reacts during the first half of a game against the Houston Rockets in Minneapolis on April 13, 2011. Credit: AP / Jim Mone
Another member of Phil Jackson's inner circle will join the Knicks to help Derek Fisher's transition from player to coach.
Kurt Rambis has agreed to join Fisher's staff as an associate coach, a league source confirmed Thursday. Rambis was a Lakers assistant last year and has head-coaching experience with the Lakers and Timberwolves.
Rambis spent seven seasons as an assistant under Jackson with the Lakers, helping them to four NBA Finals and two championships. Rambis also was an assistant when Fisher played for the Lakers. He's well-versed in the triangle offense, which is Jackson's system of choice and what Fisher will run.
A four-time champion, Rambis interviewed for the Lakers' head-coaching vacancy. Byron Scott reportedly is the leading candidate.
ESPN New York.com first reported Rambis' agreement with the Knicks.
Fisher said he hopes to have a staff in place by summer league. The Knicks begin practice Tuesday in Las Vegas and play their first game next Friday.
Other candidates to join Fisher's staff include Bill Cartwright, Jim Cleamons, Frank Hamblen and Rick Fox. All coached and/or played for Jackson, who already hired former Bulls scout Clarence Gaines Jr. to work in the Knicks' front office.
Tim Hardaway Jr., Cleanthony Early and Thanasis Antetokounmpo will play for the Knicks' summer league team. Newly acquired point guard Shane Larkin, Jeremy Tyler and veteran free agents Cole Aldrich and Shannon Brown also are on the roster.
The rest of the team is rookie guard Langston Galloway, center Jordan Henriquez, guard Zane Johnson, center Cameron Moore, forward Will Sheehy, guard Brandon Triche and big man Jordan Vandenberg.
Fisher is expected to be the coach.
