New York Knicks: 6 Things To Look Forward To The Second Half Of The Season

Dec 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) talks with head coach Derek Fisher and point guard Shane Larkin (0) during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

-Gaining Experience

It has not been a good go at it for his rookie year as a head coach, as Derek Fisher’s Knicks have struggled mightily. With the playoffs out of reach, Fisher can concentrate more on growing players and implementing his schemes, namely the triangle offense.

It has been a struggle on both ends of the court this season, as the Knicks rank 29th in the NBA with 92.8 points per game scored, and 21st with 100.8 points allowed per game. The Knicks obviously have room to improve on both ends of the court, and the rest of the season will give Fisher a chance to work on them.

Another problem for the Knicks this season has been late game situations. A number of games this season the Knicks have been in at the end, but crumbled as they reverted back to old habits. They need to continue learning and trusting the systems that Fisher is attempting to put in, as they have worked in the past; they have also seen first hand over the last week what trusting the system can do for their win loss record.

Ultimately though the wins and losses are what judges a coach. Fisher will receive a failing grade there this season, but he has a chance to at least turn things around and look respectable for the second half of the season. The Knicks have shown they are capable of playing competitive basketball, and Fisher has to continue getting the most out of his players; even though most nights they will be the less talented team, if they play up to their potential and buy into his schemes things will look much better the second half of the season compared to the first.