(The Sports Xchange) – New York Knicks president Phil Jackson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for tampering with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher, ESPN.com reported yesterday.
Jackson was reportedly fined for statements he made during a press conference last week about the possibility of hiring Fisher as the Knicks coach.
The NBA fined Jackson, in part, to reinforce its annual reminder to teams about its anti-tampering rules. Teams are not permitted to directly or indirectly express interest in other teams’ looming free agents.
ESPN.com also reported that Jackson’s first substantive talk with Fisher about the Knicks’ job is scheduled to take place this week.
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Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, highlights the 2013-14 NBA All-Defensive First Team.
The NBA announced that Noah received 105 first-team votes and 223 points. It is his second consecutive year on the first team.
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (161 points, 65 first-team votes), Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (156, 64), Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (152, 54) and Golden State Warriors guard/forward Andre Iguodala (148, 57) join Noah on the first team.
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New Detroit Pistons coach and president Stan Van Gundy is close to hiring Marist coach Jeff Bower as general manager, according to Yahoo Sports.
Bower also has longtime experience in the NBA. In 15 years with the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Bower served in a variety of capacities including general manager, coach and scout.
