Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher just shared a very moving tribute to former team assistant coach Tex Winter. The 44-year-old New York Knicks head coach imparted a lengthy homage to Winter who passed away on Wednesday at the ripe age of 96.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin shared Fisher's emotional statement on Twitter.
Derek Fisher on the life of Tex Winter, who died Wednesday at the age of 96: pic.twitter.com/JTTCwgJ0Tp
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 11, 2018
These are some beautiful words from Fisher who spent time with Winter as part of the Lakers between 1999 and 2004. During that span, the team, led by the one-two punch of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, achieved a celebrated three-peat with head coach Phil Jackson at the helm.
Winter was a long-time assistant coach to Jackson. He was also part of Jackson's coaching staff during the head coach's time with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Winter is widely regarded as one of the most significant innovators of Jackson's famed triangle offense.
Fisher and Winter went their separate ways following the 2003-04 season that saw the Lakers fall at the hands of heavy underdogs Detroit Pistions in that year's Finals series. Fisher signed with the Golden State Warriors (and would eventually make a return to L.A. in 2007), while Winter went into semi-retirement from professional coaching.
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