OKLAHOMA CITY — Derek Fisher’s playing career likely ended Saturday night with the Thunder’s ouster from the NBA playoffs, and perhaps a new career will begin soon in New York.
But Fisher said he had too much respect for his teammates to talk about the Knicks’ coaching job, adding the “wound is too raw’’ and he’ll need a couple of days.
But Fisher said it won’t take long to make up his mind on retirement.
“There are a number of people who will be impacted by the decision I do make,’’ Fisher said. “Whether I continue to play or do something else within the game, there’s a lot at stake.’’
If it was his last game, the 39-year-old went out in style, showing the stamina of a young player. He played the final 21:47 of the Thunder’s 112-107 overtime loss to the Spurs in the Western Conference finals. The Thunder still hope he comes back, possibly as a player/assistant coach, but that seems doubtful.
Fisher will be pursued by Knicks president Phil Jackson and likely by the Lakers, his former team with which he won five titles with the Zen Master.
“I can’t go there tonight,’’ Fisher said in the dead quiet of the Thunder locker room. “It’s too fresh of a wound. It’s possible this truly symbolizes the end of a very long career. I don’t think [with] the emotions I’m feeling now it’s smart to bet on what I’m going to do next. I’m definitely going to take it seriously and consider my options, consider what’s best and go from there. There’s a right way to wrap this season up and show it the proper respect.’’
Fisher will have his exit meeting with Thunder coach Scott Brooks on Sunday and realizes the Knicks are waiting on him.
“I’ll try to [do] that as soon as possible for all parties involved and can make the decisions that need to be made,’’ Fisher said. “Interview is a strong word at this point. I haven’t had any direct conversations with any executives — Phil Jackson, the Lakers. I think interview is a strong word. There’ll be conversations at some point. This is still pretty raw and fresh — at least for the next day or two.
“I want to respect whatever my future holds and the guys in this locker room and organization that gave me the opportunity the last two seasons. My career could’ve been over two seasons ago and they took a bet on me.’’
Jackson confirmed Friday he “definitely’’ will speak with Fisher, but added there are “lots of unknowns” on whether Fisher will take the job, referring to the veteran point guard’s young children in Los Angeles.
Brooks went heavy with Fisher Saturday as he played a three-guard smallball lineup.
The Spurs prevailed in overtime despite a Fisher-inspired fourth-quarter comeback from 12 points down.
The 6-footer played his series-high 32 minutes. He was the last one to leave the court. He was hugged at the buzzer. immediately by the Spurs’ Danny Green, a native of North Babylon, L.I., then by Tim Duncan.
Fisher was constantly matched against much bigger players in the final period, having to defend Boris Diaw, Duncan and Manu Ginobili, but he was scrappy to the end. He dove to the floor to save a possession in overtime, sliding out of bounds and into a front-row patron. The kind of scrappiness that could make him a great coach.
As for being the last one to leave the court and meet the media more than an hour after the buzzer, Fisher said: “It’s understanding the moment that it’s possible it could be the last time I walk off the court as a player. It’s mixed emotions. It’s going to hurt.’’
Former Knicks coach Hubie Brown, on hand for the radio broadcast of Game 6, said of Fisher: “You’re not dealing with a typical basketball player.” Brown cited Fisher’s career as longtime president of the Players Association, and called him “the total package.”