According to Dave Hyde of Bleacher Report, Derek Fisher could have been in the NBA Finals in a Heat jersey. Fisher spoke with Pat Riley, the president of the Heat, back when the Lakers released him in March. Derek was quoted as saying:
“Pat’s a straight-shooter. He let me know they were looking more for a big guy. They were happy with Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole. It made sense to me. We worked through the available options and that’s why I’m in Oklahoma City right now.”
Experience was not enough for the Heat to take the bait; even though Fisher had played in seven NBA Finals, the 37-year-old did not fit into the team dynamic including Chalmers and Cole.
“I’m happy where it ended up.”
As he should be. Having picked up the former Lakers point guard when Eric Maynor got injured, the Thunder have used Fisher on their road to this NBA Finals. In the playoffs, Fisher averaged 21 minutes and 6.5 points. He had 41 percent shooting, 38 percent on 3-pointers, and 1.4 assists per game.