It was time to make a change, says Knicks president Jackson

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson said it was time “time to make a change,” shortly after firing coach Derek Fisher.

Fisher was relieved of his duties after a season-and-a-half in charge on Monday following a run of five-consecutive defeats and nine losses in their past 10 NBA games.

Jackson spoke to reporters later in the day and said: “I think it’s the business of winning.

“Derek was prepared, he took this business seriously. I think he was a dedicated worker.”

Jackson said that some of the onus for the Knicks’ 23-31 win-loss record this season falls on the players, but felt Monday’s move was necessary.

The Knicks are reportedly looking to add a point guard via trade as well.

“But it’s time to make a change and turn this team around and move forward and get some wins and keep going down the road we had started at the beginning of the year,” Jackson said.

Kurt Rambis will take over as interim coach for Fisher, who was 38-96 in his first NBA coach job.

Jackson said he has “complete confidence” in Rambis and added the team is not hunting for a coach at the moment.