Could Derek Fisher Have Helped the Lakers?

Dec 8, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard Derek Fisher (6) dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Fisher signed a contract for the remainder of the season with the best team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Derek Fisher played 9 games for the Dallas Mavericks earlier in the year, but had been released after he hurt his knee. The reaction to Fisher wearing anything other than Purple and Gold (despite playing for 5 NBA franchises) is still naturally like sports-centric Twilight Zone episode.

Lakers fans are very aware of D Fish’s strengths, and at 38 years old, his limitations. He has great leadership abilities, timely shooting, and takes the best charge in the league. But he doesn’t guard quick guards well, and timely shooting manifests itself like inconsistent shooting.

Feb 16, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; NBA former player Robert Horry reacts after shooting during the 2013 NBA All-Star shooting stars competition at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

But With 5 championships rings Fisher is on a very short list of players who any team would take in a heartbeat, right? Michael Jordan, who was recently declared as still better than any player on the Bobcats, is on that list. Beyond the player, imagine the ticket sales. But Robert Horry, if he expressed even the most mild interest in coming back, for me I’d take the 7 time NBA champion even before Michael. Big Shot Bob Hits nothing but big shots. After those 2, Derek Fisher has the most experience in a winning organization. He knows what it takes, to a man, to win in it all.

D Fish doesn’t particularly fit this Lakers team though. We are not particularly quick at guard already, and Fisher wouldn’t help that. He is used to working off of Kobe, so that is a plus. But Steve Nash is a better shooter. So Fisher would see a majority of his time with the second unt, and Kobe on the bench. He doesn’t create any more offense than Steve Blake in that role either. And Fisher unfortunately wouldn’t be any better able at covering the West’s ultra quick guards.

But this Lakers team has a very short list of players who have won before. Kobe with 5, Pau with 2, and Metta with 1 NBA Championship represent a brand new, Championship inexperienced team. Fisher doesn’t know the Mike D’Antoni system, but with his experience who’s to say he wouldn’t bring a better winning influence than the Head Coach does.

After trading away James Harden, Oklahoma City is a good team, but they are lacking one very crucial element—Depth. Fisher helps that with an experienced leader, one who has experience in that locker-room no less. It is a great signing for the Thunder.

Disregard who’s roster spot he would need to take. Derek Fisher may be able to help this Lakers team, but it’s not a slam dunk he would help. He would add more years to an already old roster. With Fisher’s close ties to Phil Jackson, it is highly unlikely that Jim Buss would consider giving Fisher another chance with the team in which he became synonymous with winning. It is the prudent choice to let the Lakers legend go his own way, but on a team full of wild-cards, one more wild-card could be just what the Lakers needed.

LA Sports Hubsters, Would Fisher Have Helped the Lakers?