After an encouraging start this season, the New York Knicks are once again struggling. The team led by All-Star Carmelo Anthony is currently on a 5-game losing streak.
According to dailyknicks.com, the team lost its fifth straight to Melo's former team the Denver Nuggets. The former Nuggets star had a decent stat line of 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists but shot an inefficient 7/19 from the field.
In a report by nypost.com, Fisher admitted he has had trouble getting his players motivated for games.
"Probably what jumps out the most is you still have to work pretty hard to motivate and inspire guys at this level,'' Fisher said. "Something a guy who came into the league in 1996, that wasn't required. If you weren't self-driven and self-motivated, you couldn't get on the floor."
"As the head coach, you still have to find ways to push buttons and get guys excited about playing the game. As a player for 18 years, my brain worked that way. It's one area that continues to evolve - find ways to help my guys be more inspired and more motivated.''
As per cbssports.com, one player the Knicks could look at is Chicago Bulls big man Pau Gasol. The Spaniard and 2-time NBA champion recently said that he will most likely test the free agent market after this season.
The former Los Angeles Laker is currently on a three-year, $22.3 million deal that included a player option on the third year prior to last season.
With his pending free agency, and an overloaded front court in Chicago, the Bulls could opt to trade the big man before he walks away for nothing. Given his pending free agency, teams who would have the assurance of him re-signing would most likely trade for him.
Experts believe that his good relationship with head coach Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson would give the Knicks the best chance to trade for him.
The Knicks would have to give up Jerian Grant, Robin Lopez and Derrick Williams for the All-Star center.