Ever since Steve Kerr took the head coaching job with the Golden State Warriors, Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks have had their eyes set solely on Derek Fisher.

Sources told ESPN the Knicks are going to intensify their pursuit of Fisher this week and they only believe the veteran point guard's playing career could get in the way. Still, the sources said Jackson and the majority of the league believed Kerr was going to take the Knicks job.

Fisher seems like a natural fit for the Knicks since the 18-year NBA veteran is universally respected around the league and has a longstanding relationship with Jackson. Fisher played for the Los Angeles Lakers under Jackson for several years and helped the team win five NBA Championships.

One source told ESPN "things could take shape quickly in the early part of the week."

"Everyone felt that Kerr was a done deal too," said another. "Only Phil knows."

Fisher just finished his season with the Oklahoma City Thunder in disappointment, being eliminated from the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs. During his exit interview, Fisher indicated he would need time to consider coming back to play or pursuing a career in coaching, which he said he would like to do when he retires. He would reportedly be welcome back to play for the Thunder, but as an unofficial assistant coach to Scott Brooks.

Jackson and the Knicks immediately turned their attention to pursuing Fisher, but they may have jumped the gun. The NBA fined the new Knicks president $25,000 for mentioning his interest in Fisher before the player's season was over.

The sources said Fisher is open to essentially being groomed by Jackson and the 11-time championship winning coach would likely be on the court during training and practice sessions.

The Knicks are likely encouraged by the success Jason Kidd experienced with the Brooklyn Nets, especially given the way veterans like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett played for him.

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