SAN ANTONIO — Derek Fisher said Monday he hasn’t spoken to Phil Jackson since March, but expects the Zen Master to reach out to him after his playoffs are over regarding the Knicks’ head-coaching position.
It was the first public signal Fisher has some interest, after saying in April the job “is not on my radar or scope.’’
Fisher, the Knicks’ hot coaching candidate now that Steve Kerr rejected Jackson, said his name being floated is “flattering.’’ Fisher won five titles with the Lakers as Jackson’s point guard and scored 16 points Monday night in the Thunder’s 122-105 loss to the Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Fisher has said this will be his last season and Tuesday said he’s still sticking to that.
“It’s not a distraction,’’ Fisher said at the Thunder’s morning shootaround at Texas Military Institute. “It’s humbling. It’s humbling. It’s flattering. Phil knows better than anybody this time of year, there’s a singular focus you have to have. That’s what I’m trying to do for myself and team. Regardless of what it is, I’m not concerned about it until after these playoffs are done.’’
Fisher, 39, said it wouldn’t be fair to his teammates for him to start talking to the Knicks. Meanwhile, Jackson is in a tough position, potentially having to wait until late June to sign a coach, which he seems inclined to do.
“We touched base right before his official press conference [in March] when he accepted the job,’’ Fisher said. “Since then, we haven’t spoken. Obviously he’s busy trying to make the changes he needs to make there. I have a day job as well. I think he respects that more than anybody. He taught me a lot about how to operate at this time of year.
“We talk every offseason. I’m sure we’ll talk again when this season is over. But I don’t have any intention of reaching out to him. I think he respects what I’m in right now as well.’’
Fisher was the last Thunder player to come off the court, as he finished a lengthy array of shooting drills. He looks to be in terrific shape and doesn’t look ready to retire. An Oklahoma City source believes if Fisher wins his sixth title, he may want to come back to defend it.
“It’s tough to wrap my mind about anything other than basketball,’’ Fisher said. “Every week, it could be my last week. That part in itself is tough enough. Until I’m done helping my team this year, I’m not spending a lot of time on it.’’
Asked by The Post if he were surprised Kerr declined the Knicks’ offer, Fisher said, “I don’t know Steve personally that well to get into his decision-making. They were two great opportunities either way. Hopefully he and his family will be happy with his decision.’’
Fisher said he’s not yet wavering yet on his stated plans to retire.
“I’m still sticking with that for now,’’ he said. “Same concept. I put it out there at the beginning. That’s what I’m sticking with until we finish out what we’re trying to do. Not spending a lot of time about what’s next. It’s not fair to me. It’s not fair to these guys to think about it or talk about it. We got to figure out how to beat the Spurs four games.’’
Jackson has expanded his coaching search, according to a source, to those not necessary versed in the triangle, with Mark Jackson and Mike Dunleavy — who Jackson interviewed — on the list. But having a coach Jackson knows he can mold — like Kerr — is clearly a priority, and Fisher fits the bill.
Thunder teammate Caron Butler said Fisher has acted like a player/coach.
“He’s very insightful,’’ Butler said. “He still asks a lot of questions and gives a lot of answers. He bounces things off you all the time to check where you’re at and if you’re engaged, and teaching young guys on the fly and being able to be that bridge from coach to the players is great to have in the locker room.’’
Thunder coach Scott Brooks raved about Fisher, saying he may be the NBA’s most prepared player.
“He probably is one of the best pros I’ve ever been around,’’ Brooks said. “He keeps his body and mind ready to play night in, night out. He’s relentless in his work and preparation. Fish has always been that way.
“There’s a reason he’s played as long as he’s played at this level, because of how he trains and prepares. He’s as prepared as anybody I’ve ever been around. Not only the physical part but mental part — where to be. He understands other teams’ personnel and playbook.’’