DEREK FISHER
There are certain players in this league who do not put up stellar numbers, but always find a way to help their team. Derek Fisher is one of those players.
Fisher started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and has been a fan-favorite ever since. He hit multiple game winners, and was a leading voice in the Lakers’ huddles in his first stay in Los Angeles. However, Fisher was not one of the “main” players on the Lakers roster, as he took a back seat to Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
After a few years away from the Lakers, Derek Fisher rejoined his former team and took the role of a veteran leader. With Kobe and Fisher leading the way, the Lakers became relevant in the NBA.
Looking at his stats, one would guess that Derek Fisher is not a productive player for the Lakers. In his 15 seasons in the NBA, Fisher has averaged 8.9 ppg, and 3.2 apg. However, Fisher does all the little things for the Lakers; he makes the big shots when needed and provides veteran leadership.
“He [Derek] just has supreme confidence.” Said Kobe Bryant. “And I think those shots at the end of the game are actually easier for him than the other ones.”
The Lakers would not have won these past two titles if it were not for the heroics of Derek Fisher. In 2009, Fisher hit two big threes to beat the Magic, and in 2010 he knock down “long-ball” to bring the Lakers back from a 13 point deficit.
When Derek Fisher is in the lineup and is playing at his “A game,” the Lakers are a tough team to beat.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TkOyTDPmGY
Next: The Humanitarian