The pro’s pro
It’s easy to understand why Derek Lamar Fisher figuratively pinches himself sometimes and thanks his lucky stars for the position he is in today.
After all, when the veteran Los Angeles Lakers point guard entered the 1996 NBA draft, not too many people ever envisioned Fisher having such a lengthy and accomplished pro career.
Count Fisher among the skeptics.
After playing at tiny Arkansas-Little Rock, Fisher harbored reservations about whether he would even be drafted.
“Going into that draft, I wasn’t even on the draft radar with teams,’’ Fisher said. “But I worked as hard as I could during the pre-draft camps to just get on the radar.
“I went to Portsmouth, I went to Phoenix, I went to Chicago – all the pre-draft camps – to show what I could do.
“When the draft came around, I felt I would be very fortunate to possibly be drafted in the first or second round.
“I’m glad the Lakers made the call. My life and my career would have been quite different if (then Lakers GM) Jerry West and the staff had decided to go in a different direction.
“I was definitely fortunate.’’
The Lakers were equally fortunate. They drafted Fisher late in the first round, the 24th overall selection. They took him one spot after Denver chose Efthimios Rentzias of Greece and one spot before Utah chose Martin Muursepp of Estonia.
While Rentzias and Muursepp had cups of coffee in the NBA, Fisher has sipped champagne. He’s been on four NBA championship teams with the Lakers – 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2009 – during his 14-year pro career and could be on a fifth one this season.
While Fisher hasn’t come close to racking up Hall of Fame statistical type numbers like his current teammate Kobe Bryant – who, by the way, was drafted by Charlotte as the 13th overall pick in that same draft – or gained the notoriety of his teammates over the years, his colleagues fully recognize his importance.
“I think he’s sung,’’ Lakers coach Phil Jackson responded when asked if Fisher was perhaps the Lakers’ unsung hero. “I don’t think there’s anything unsung about Derek. He’s got a voice. He’s a leader of the Players Association and is definitely a leader among his peers.
“I think people overlook him at times on the floor as a basketball player, and that’s too our advantage.’’
Lakers veteran forward Lamar Odom concurs with Jackson. Odom said Fisher is held in high esteem by all the Lakers for not only his savvy, leadership skills on the court but his mature and influential presence as off it as well.
“I know that Derek is sometimes overlooked by some people, but he’s not overlooked here with this team,’’ Odom said. “We understand what he brings to our team and what he means to our team.
“He’s been on some great teams and he understands what it takes to keep a team together. Derek helps hold this locker room together.
“He’s a man of character. He’s a gentleman. He’s smart. If there’s one guy who you can learn from, it’s Derek Fisher.’’
One of the things the Lakers have learned from Fisher is his commitment to his craft. He brings a lunch-pail mentality to work every day. He’s simply a guy you can rely on – as Jackson will attest.
The 35-year-old Fisher has played in every single game the last four-plus seasons. For those counting at home, that’s 354 straight games.
“He’s a stable person and that’s indicated in how he’s managed to play in all these games,’’ Jackson said. “Some of it takes luck and the other is preparation. He’s extremely well-prepared.
“In doing so, he uses his seniority in a positive light for our younger players.’’
So, what’s the secret behind Fisher’s admirable work ethic? What motivates him to play through injuries, injuries that often would shelf so many other players?
“I think it’s my natural and pure love for basketball as well as the joy of competition,’’ Fisher said.. “I can’t see myself, at this point, not being out there with my teammates and competing and trying to help us win.
“I would truly be sad and depressed if I couldn’t lace it up and put my uniform on and go out on the floor, especially with this team because we enjoy going to work together.’’
Fisher and Co. are certainly enjoying the fruits of their labor. They have busted out of the blocks this season, looking every bit as formidable as last season’s title team.
In fact, Fisher believes the current Lakers edition may eventually be better once they fully integrate Ron Artest, whom the Lakers signed during free agency over the summer, into their system.
“I think we’re capable of being better because we have another year of experience with pretty much the same players and knowing how to play with each other and getting the best out of each other,’’ Fisher said. “We’re still learning how to bring Ron into the fold and allow him to be successful within our team concepts.
“I think he’s still searching. He wants to fit in, and we want him to fit in. So, ultimately, we can be a better team than last year and have the same end results of being a champion again.’’
Robert Geczi Said,
December 19, 2009 @ 11:03 am
Great article.
I have always admired Derek Fisher for his leadership qualities, and how he comes across to people watching games at home, and reading articles about him. The NBA would be a better place if there were more players like Derek Fisher, who know what is needed to win games, and less players who have all flash, but no substance.
Skraight Up Said,
December 19, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
Great article Gery! In my opinion, Fish is one of the few professional sportsman in history that has done everything correct and almost to perfection. A true pro, a gentleman, and a four time NBA champion…kudos to Fish!
Chad Said,
December 19, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
D. Fish!!!!
MrReal Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 10:35 am
I agree with the above BUT now is the time for a replacement to take center stage, Fish could should be with the team as a player & a coach on the bench & o the floor. The Lakers will NOT be able to maintain this level of play without a real, young, fast point guard…
Skraight Up Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
@MrReal,
Couldn’t have said it better…That’s where Shannon Brown comes in. If memory serves me correct, this is Farmer’s last year on his contract and they’ll probably let him walk. At that point I look for them to sign a big guard after they win the championship this year. Shannon will start and they’ll probably keep Fish as a 3rd guard off the bench.
Thoughts?
Martin Hickman Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
I’ll never forget the look on Fisher’s face as he leaped in the air and ran out of the arena, seconds after hitting that off-balance game-winning shot in the playoffs against the Spurs in 2004 with 0.4 seconds left.
Only a time-out before, Duncan had hit his own off-balance probable game-winning shot, but Fisher, in all his exuberance and passion, seemed to carry the win with him right through the tunnel.
How could the refs say his shot was too late? Here you have a professional basketball player who’s supposed to be cynical and money-motivated but instead, he’s laughing! And smiling! And so blissfully childlike in his joy he can’t even stand to stay in the arena to see the results!
How can you not love Derek Fisher?
Brian Boitono Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
Lakers love Shannon on the 2nd unit. He isnt a starter on a title team. He is a 20min energy/defensive player and nuthin wrong with that. I see farmar gone and I see fish’s role staying similar to last years. Brown will pick up a few more minutes but I really dont see a huge need to add anything more than a lowend rotation guard next year. Unless someone falls in the draft or Nate Robinson gets bought out that is…
NBA vet Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
One of the dirtiest players in the game. if hes on your team you love him, otherwise you hate him. stupid article with a stupid title.
bigz Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
fisher will have a really long career. I see him and ray allen keep their level of fitness above the rest for a really long time. i dont think fish will retire or come off the bench next year i could be wrong but shannon is not ready and expeienced enough to take fishers spot yet.
Derek Flicsher Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
This is brilliant! Consecutive articles from the lest deserving player in Jerepko to the most deserving player of pub in D-Fish. Fish is arguably the greatest role player to ever play the game, and if they had a role player hall of fame, he would be a first ballot guy. Fish is goin to be a coach at some point too. One of the highest character pro atheletes ever, and he truly stands out in a world of low character people like Chris Henry and Nate Robinson,
Suede Said,
December 20, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
NBA Vet:
He is the president of the players association show some respect. All the great role players were dirty to an extent.
fisher hater Said,
December 22, 2009 @ 7:46 am
The worst point guard in the history of the Lakers and people talk about role play. Yes he is a great role player if his role is to bumble and stumble all over the court, cause the Lakers to have to come from behind to win the game, run into the picker, miss layups, and hit two clutch shots in a 14 year career.
He flat out sucks.
Carry on.
justin Said,
December 22, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
I remember when LA drafted him. Nobody had any idea who he was. He craved a great niche for himself.
NBA vet Said - Stupid comment - Incorrect - You obviously don’t watch the Lakers very much
frank b Said,
December 23, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
I love DFish, until we traded for Artest he was arguably the toughest guy on our team.
However, there is something about him that has been bugging for me years. I am going to call it the the Ben Michael Johnson syndrome.
Most folks who run all the time get skinnier. Unless they are using performance enhancing substances.
How can it be that our point guard has the biggest muscles on the team? How exactly is he playing better today at 35 than he did at 30? He hasn’t missed a game in 4 years? Can anyone say Barry Bonds?
I’m sorry, but it is so obvious that I am surprised that no else is saying it.
He is not the only guy in the league that I would point at, but he seems especially egregious in his usage. Whatever testing they’re doing in the NBA, his people have figured out how to beat the test.
Derek Flicsher Said,
December 23, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
frank B,
He came into the league a big dude, he has always been above 200lbs even though he’s only 6 foot, that’s nuthin new. And he actually has lsot a step so I don’t know why u think he’s gottin better. Dude’s who don’t have great skills are always gym rats and workout freaks, its the only way they can stay on a level. Artest is bulkier, but the rest of the the team are skinny shooters and finese players, if he was on a football team u wouldnt notice, but its basketball. To any hater of D-Fish, u clearly dont live in the LA market because he’s been hittin clutch shots his entire career, all the way back to when he sported a headband around his ears. To the haters: pay a little attention to the triangle offense and what it needs from a point; he’s been the perfect complimentary player to a ball hog, stat guy like Kobe.
The only bad thing bout Fish is he’s slow on D, but that’s a pretty easily solved problem once you get a shot blocker, or THREE (Bynum, Gasol, Odom) in the lane.
heh8meN1 Said,
December 23, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
Diferrent team, yet same result. The legend of the FisherKING continues: HOOK, LINE & SINKER.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCEJmngMeX8
Jason T. Said,
December 26, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
While he has been a solid player for the Lakers, and a professional in their fans’ eyes, his real character was seen when his frustraton came out with elbows against Luis Scola in last years playoffs and against Mo Will in yesterday’s Christmas game. Behind the so called professional demeanor and character he has, he has made his career on being a filthy player, and it is amazing how referees continue to make charging calls in his favor, as ridiculous as some of them are, and how obvious is his flopping. Yet he always has the audacity to talk to the referees sneakily in between timeouts and plays, maybe practicing for his future political career. In fact, that would be the perfect profession for him…he should just retire now before he gets smoked again by Brooks, Rondo, MO will, etc. whoever else he can’t keep up with with his round bowling ball body.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3O7vTDquPs&feature=related
Fisher, the “pro’s pro” actually turns around to see Scola coming, lays him out, then can actually act innocent and sit in a press conference after and straight up lie that he did it with no malcontent whatsoever and didn’t see him coming. That’s a pro’s pro?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI7nKUrCQHw
Is he really staring at the referee afterwards as if he’s not at fault? I think he’s just mad he’s losing by 20. Van Gundy’s commentary explains it all. And Kobe is equally a weasel for coming to protect Fisher after that flagrant. IN fact, the whole Lakers organization was exposed after this game, including their classless fans who couldn’t accept a loss in that they had to start throwing things on the floor. Those fans weren’t there in the couple years before Gasol’s arrival, and were even going to CLIPPER games the year they went farther than the Lakers. Classless team for classless people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxfb3pTm2Hw
And finally, he gets what was coming to him. Just look at his face afterwards.
Gery Woelfel, Fisher is no pro’s pro. Tim Duncan is a pro’s pro. Steve Nash is a pro’s pro. Lebron is a pro’s pro. And many others are as well. But Derek Fisher is merely a pro, a pro that is undersized, overweight, and slow, and wouldn’t even be a pro anymore if it wasn’t for his dirty play, tricks and cheating that you look at as his “lunch pail mentality” that allows him to still be in the league.
asjhdfajksg@gmail.com Said,
December 27, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
dont hate on fisher if the refs luv him, that’s on them. Trust this, you wouldn’t mind having a wrecking ball like fish on ur team!
Chris Tifre Said,
January 3, 2010 @ 6:44 pm
I love fisher but this prob his last year as starter. Not sure if Farmer is ready to takeover but time to think about future at pg for lakers. His still has clutch moments but his defense has really suffered and his shooting is down a lot.