Sunday Biography: Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher was drafted in the 1996 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Fisher was selected just nine picks behind Kobe Bryant who was by far the more popular rookie that season. After winning three consecutive Championships with the Lakers from 2000-2002 Derek left to play for Golden State. After playing in Golden State for two years Fisher went to the Utah Jazz. After playing in Utah for one year Derek went back to the Lakers where he was reunited with Kobe Bryant. Derek Fisher played in Los Angeles until the 2012 season, when he then went to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After helping the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals he was let go as a free agent. Fisher then signed with the Dallas Mavericks where he played the first part of the 2012-2013 season. After the Thunder traded Eric Maynor moments before the 2013 trade deadline to Portland it opened a spot for a third point guard on the team. Sam Presti could think of no one better than veteran point guard Derek Fisher.

Derek Fisher was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on August 9, 1974. His mother, Annette Fisher, worked at a bank, and his father, John Fisher, was a retired military officer who worked as a post office administrator. Derek gives all the credit to his parents, especially his father, for the drive necessary to be successful in both basketball and in life. Fisher was first exposed to basketball at a young age by his older half-brother, Duane Washington. Duane played for his high school team while Derek sat court side watching because he was too young. His older brother made it all the way to the NBA before getting suspended for substance abuse. Derek Fisher made a vow at that moment to never use any type of drug.

Fisher did not disappoint as he followed in his brothers footsteps as a basketball star. Fisher went to Little Rock's Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, where he was known as the star point guard. He led his high school to a state championship, and was nominated as a McDonald's All-American. Derek was also an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) All-American where he also led his team to a National Championship. Fisher graduated from Parkview High School in 1992. Despite all the success Fisher had at the high school level, no major college offered him a scholarship. Fisher did get a full ride scholarship at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which wasn't too far from his home as a child. Fisher was one of the greatest basketball players to ever suit up for UALR, as he finished second in all time scoring at UALR. Derek Fisher recorded 1,393 points, 372 assists, and 189 steals. During Fisher's senior year he was awarded the Sun Belt Player of the Year award.

Being listed as one of the better point guards in the 1996 NBA draft, Fisher was selected as the 24th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was selected just nine picks after soon to be Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Later on that season the Lakers picked up the superstar center, Shaquille O'Neal. This would be the beginning of the team that would go on to win three straight Championships. Kobe Bryant and Shaq were the superstars of the team, but Fisher became known as the guy who would always knock down shots when needed. Fisher left the Lakers in 2004 and signed with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent. His two seasons at Golden State proved to be somewhat of a let down as he was not able to stand out with out a superstar such as Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O'Neal. The team struggled for those two years, although Fisher averaged 13.3 points per game which was the highest of his career. In 2007 Fisher was sent to the Utah Jazz in a trade that sent Keith McLeod, Andre Owens, and Devin Brown to Golden State. During his one season in Utah he played in all 82 games, putting up an average of 10.1 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.01 steals while scoring in double figures 40 times. Also while in Utah Derek was voted in as the President of the National Basketball Players Association. Fisher would return the next year to the Lakers in 2008 where he won his fourth and fifth title.

After the waivers cleared at around 6 P.M. Fisher signed a contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the remaining of the 2011-2012 season. Fisher wore number 37, his age at the time, because his number 2 was taken by Thabo Sefolosha. Derek was a big part of the run to the Finals that the Thunder made, not only by his performance on the court, but mainly by his leadership and experience. After the conclusion of the 2012 season he was let go as a free agent where he signed with the Dallas Mavericks. Fisher played nine games before receiving an injury to his patellar tendon on his right knee. Two days later his request to be released was granted. On February 25, 2013, Fisher re-signed with Oklahoma City for the remainder of the 2012–13 season. After looking back at his career in the NBA Fisher decided to pursue an opportunity to win his sixth NBA Title. Perhaps this is the reason he chose to wear number 6 instead of the number 37 that he wore last year. Fisher did not contact the Dallas Mavericks before signing with the Thunder which greatly upset Dallas officials.

Despite your opinion on the ability of Fisher to still play the game, he is still going to go down as one of the greats. Although he has his slumps, he brings some valuable minutes and leadership to this Thunder team, but most importantly he brings not only playoff experience, but NBA Finals experience.