New York Knicks

Rambis, for 1 big reason, goes where Fisher wouldn't: Playoffs matter

Published Feb. 8, 2016 2:53 p.m. ET

Jeff Caplan

Introduced as the New York Knicks' interim head coach after Derek Fisher was fired Monday, Kurt Rambis immediately went where Fisher wouldn't: The playoffs.

Rambis: "To get this team in the playoffs. That is my goal." #Knicks
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 8, 2016

Complete 180 from the "it's not a disappointment if we miss playoffs" mantra from Fisher... https://t.co/4mfmpKzKSv
— Justin Termine (@TermineRadio) February 8, 2016

Playoffs?!

After losing nine of their last 10 games, maybe the playoffs now seem like a pipe dream for the Knicks heading into All-Star Weekend. But the Knicks are still only five games behind eighth-place Detroit, with Orlando, Washington and Charlotte filling in the gap.

Just about a week ago, Fisher, in the midst of the Knicks' losing six of seven and falling five games under .500 for the first time all season, told "The Michael Kay Show" on ESPN 98.7 FM that he would not be disappointed if his team did not make the playoffs this season.

Rambis believes making the playoffs this season does matter, and he apparently believes it is possible. He probably also believes that if he can right ship and get the Knicks into the playoffs then president Phil Jackson will have an easy choice to remove the interim tag from Rambis' current title.

Rambis will make his Knicks debut Tuesday at home against Washington. Then comes the All-Star break. Then comes a hugely intriguing end to the Knicks' season.

For Rambis, it's playoffs or bust.