Phil Jackson sent out a cryptic tweet in response to the $25,000 fine he received from the NBA for tampering with Derek Fisher, indicating he was “chagrined.’’ Jackson was fined Monday for making comments last Friday about Fisher being on his coaching candidate list.
Fisher is still under contract with the Thunder, who would like to have him back as a player and unofficial assistant coach. The Post reported Oklahoma City filed a complaint with the NBA over Jackson’s overtures.
Jackson’s tweet:
Jackson’s message is he will continue to reach the fan base through the media despite a fine that seemed petty. In his meeting with the team beat writers last Friday, Jackson at first was reluctant to talk about Fisher.
“I’m not allowed to say boo, I think,’’ Jackson said. “I said B-O and I didn’t get the other ‘O’ out and the league already called me up.’’
When pressed, Jackson relented.
“I have no idea if he wants to come here and move his family,’’ Jackson said. “These are things he has to express. There’s so many unknowns and I’m not talking to him. But he’s definitely a person on my list of guys who could be very good candidates for this job.’’
Jackson needs to get permission from the Thunder to speak with Fisher, who said late Saturday night he would only need a few days before addressing his future. Fisher and Jackson were expected to speak by week’s end.
Nets general manager Billy King, during a press conference Wednesday at their free-agent mini-camp, didn’t want to make the same mistake as Jackson when asked if Fisher could make the transition from player to coach like Jason Kidd did smoothly.
“I can’t comment on Derek,’’ King said. “He’s [going to be] a free agent.’’