Report Card- Derek Fisher
When the Lakers brought Derek Fisher back to LA, it was with the expectation that he would not only improve them at the point guard position from a talent standpoint- not exactly the tallest of orders, given he was replacing Smush Parker- but help add to and balance the leadership of (a then unhappy) Kobe Bryant in the locker room and on the floor. Fisher wasn't a player still needing to earn Kobe's respect and trust. He already had it.
Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson knew they weren't getting the Fisher who could run 30 or 35 minutes a night, as he often did during the Threepeat era, but hoped he could give them good minutes, and that between Jordan Farmar and Javaris Crittenton, the Lakers would be covered.
It's fair to say they got what they were looking for.
During training camp, Fisher told me that he saw his job, in part, as one of teaching the Lakers how to play with Kobe. It can be tough, he said, to run with a star of his drive and high expectations. "Kobe's a dominant basketball player, he's a dominant personality. You have to understand those things and still feel good about who you are as a player, and feel comfortable about going out there and doing the things you need to do," he said. "You still have your space. And that's what he expects from you as a teammate. He doesn't expect you to bend to his pressure. He needs you." Easier said than done, but Fish could lead by example.
Certainly having him around during the three ring media circus that was training camp and the early weeks of the season, with the constant trade talk and endless rumors, was invaluable. As the season went on, Fisher continued to provide leadership on and off the floor, a role that continued into the playoffs.
That Fisher could deliver the intangibles was a given. A larger question heading into the year was how much his play- his actual on-court production- would benefit the team. Remember, Fisher wasn't a top shelf starting point guard during his first stint in LA. Solid, but no superstar. Now three years later and into his 30s, some wondered how much impact have, and whether it would be enough. Again, Fish delivered. While he was no Chris Paul, Fish did what was expected of him, and (depending on your POV) perhaps more, registering career or near career highs in field goal percentage (43.6%), three point shooting (40.6%), free throws (88.3%), and scoring (11.7 ppg).
Defensively, while Fish would sometimes have trouble sticking quicker guards, he certainly constituted an improvement over Parker.
Like many supporting players, night to night Fisher's production would vary. He'd occasionally go cold from the floor (not surprising, since he's never been known as a true knock-down gunner), and suffered through a miserable February shooting slump. But breaking down his splits, it's clear that he was able to provide solid and steady production over all 82 games of the regular season. In the playoffs, Fish shot 45% from the floor, including 44% from downtown, while averaging just over 10 points a game. He struggled against Tony Parker and the Spurs, and like everyone else on the Lakers, wasn't able to exert his will against the Celtics, but overall played reasonably well in the postseason, especially when considering he was playing through a painful injury to his foot.
In the end, what Derek Fisher gave the Lakers this season isn't easily calculated simply by examining the stat sheet. But had his contributions stopped merely with leadership, it's easy to question if the Lakers would have made the run that they did. Relative to the rest of his career, especially, Fisher played well. Whether he's able to sustain it over the rest of his deal remains to be seen, but the Lakers certainly got their money's worth this year.
Grade: B+
BK
When I watched the D-Fish exit interview I was amazed at how he just looked and talked like a future NBA head coach.
How he talked about not being satisfied and what the players needed to do to win a Championship.
I hope the Lakers reserve a spot on their coaching staff for him. Don't make the same mistake by letting BScott become a head coach elsewhere.
Posted by: AW | July 17, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Jon-
I'm not changing the grade, so feel free to continue your campaign (though, honestly, I'm not exactly sure how mocking the idea that Andy and I were paid to write a book for a major publishing house is supposed to be a zing...).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Lord Mamba24,
"I have a a little twitch in my back, what's your opinion Dr.Gueco?"
Based on your DNA, your great grandfather suffered the same ailment. It has something to do with the disappearance of cartillage due to aging (similar to problems of Luke and Mihm) and ur high calorie NY diet as well as high stress last blogging season. You often get excited write poems, rap and create unworthy awards. I say rub a little Ben Gay from your NuYok minstress meanwhile, use your left hand in throwing that rod. will send you the bill from quack Ed.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 17, 2008 at 10:34 AM
*_________________________________*
AK & BK We love ya's but please change
that B+ to an A BANDWAGON
*_________________________________*
(01) JOHNNYP. - Owner & Driver
(02) ELLE - B+, B+? That is just wrong
(03) LONGTIMELAKERLOVER - in my book he's pure A class standard
(04) DICE8UP - The FISH was an A! Period
(05) LAKERFAN24 - Fisher is a rock.
(06) FAITH - The very fact that having him means we no longer have Smush Parker deserves an A!
(07) HAPPY CAMPER - By popular demand, the blogmunity has just raised Fish's grade to an A.
(08) JON K. - Fisher deserves an "A". Anything less than that is completely inappropriate.
(09) GIANTSQUID - Fisher's very presence in the locker room deserves an A in and of itself
(10) FATTY - My book has him as a solid A.
(11) SPOKANLAKAFAN - Fish gets an A.
(12) EDWIN GUECO - Elle and Longtime Lakerlover are right, Fisher deserved an A.
(13) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL - I am with Elle and LLL - easily an A. All class, all the time
(14) DUKE - You've never done it, but I implore you: Make history. Revise Fish's grade. A
(15) CDUB0512 - That DFish Poem put a tear in my eye... LoL..
(16) BRET - His intangibles alone earn an A from me, and i would say most Laker fans.
(17) KC_NOYPI - Fish deserves a big A.
(18) DWIGHT - I realize these grades are arbitrary, but Fisher deserves an A.
(19) RICK FRIEDMAN - Fish is a competitor who brings everything he has to the game every time.
That merits an "A" in my book.
(20) LONGTIMELAKERLOVER - GIVE FISH AN A! LAKERS ARE THE BEST! I LOVE TACOS!
(21) BENJAMIN - A grave injustice has occurred and we of the blog will not stand for it.
(22) GREEKDUDE - he deserves at LEAST a B++ or an A-
(23) MARCUS BASSETTE - Without a doubt he's a leader and a definate upgrade from Smush
last year. At least an A-
(24) FAT YELLOW PURSE - B+??????????? A- is more like it.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | July 17, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Byron will be back. He'll be the Laker head coach once Phil leaves. I'm gonna go ahead and make that assertion with no evidence whatsoever, Just a feeling that The Buss family will go and get him. Think Bynum in his prime, with BScott and Dfish on the bench. PJ will move to the front office and take over for Mitch after the first couple of titles.
Posted by: Anthony "Pig Bill" Miller | July 17, 2008 at 10:36 AM
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
Posted by: mamba24 | July 17, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Mamba24,
".02 Seconds left. Who takes the last shot Ex?"
Do you mean 2 hundredths of second, 2 tenths of a second, or 2 seconds,? If one of the first two, then the only shot that would be allowed would be a tip-in, so I would say (in this order) Bynum, Kobe, Ariza, Lamar. If it is two seconds remaining, then probably Kobe, Sasha, Bynum, Fisher.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
NO "A' FOR DFISH NO PEACE! THIS WILL NOT CEASE
TIME TO END THE ACADEMIC TYRANNY OF THE BAT BOY OF BASS FISHING!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon "Bill" K. | July 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Dave M.
You are right, he had a stress frature and played in Germany, in Spain and in NBDL and he excelled in all tournaments. This guy in not a neophyte, he has the attributes of a Pro. Here is additional info on Nik:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nik_Caner-Medley
And a You Tube of his left hand slam dunk with Terrapins:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhJbDlFUl2Q&
feature=related
If you look at the play by play report on the first post, he got a technical foul in yesterday's game. This kid has a heart. Mitch, put him on the D'Fenders together with Mata Real, Crawford and Jefferson. Give them proper training with the Laker greats and turn them into monster like Drew Bynum. This a cost saving scheme for the Buss Family rather than chasing high-priced athletes, why not create a zoo for potentials? feed them well, train them and threaten those lackadaisical veterans who are plain lazy to achieve. Mix these underachieving veterans with nursery kids and preach Read To Achieve. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 17, 2008 at 10:55 AM
BK (aka "The Bat Boy of the Bad Boy of Bass Fishing"),
YOUR REIGN OF TERROR HAS COME TO AN END!
LAKER NATION HAS JUST BURNED YOUR REPORT CARD, PUT A DUNCE CAP UPON THEY SUN BURNED HEAD FROM BASS FISHING AND STUCK YOU IN THE CORNER!
BOLDLY I WALK TO THE CHALKBOARD AND WRITE "DEREK FISHER: A".
AND LAKER NATION CHEERS!
DEREK FISHER, YOUR HONOR SHALL NOT BE BESMIRCHED BY THE BAT BOY OF BASS FISHING!
NO A? NO PEACE!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon "Bill" K. | July 17, 2008 at 10:57 AM
EDWIN STOP IT! LOL! STOP IT NOW MAN! LMAO!
DAMMMMMN! I MISSED THIS BLOG!
LAKERS FOREVER!!!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | July 17, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Hey - I like the idea of a trade with Chicago. I'd love to get Hinrich for Farmar+one of our albatross contracts. Fact is that both Walton and Rad are due less over the rest of their contracts when compared to Kirk. So we'll be giving an effective/improving back-up PG who'll play hard for Skiles, clear a little bit of their logjam at PG and save them money - what's not to like?
Heck, if we're not planning to match Ronny, I'd sign-and-trade him, Vlad and Farmar for Kirk. Captain Kirk would be good on this team - good defender, good 3 pt-shooter and another ball-handler. Plus, it allows us to keep Fish fresh for the play-offs.
Luke/Vlad+Farmar+Mihm for Kirk - Yes we can, YES WE CAN!!!
Posted by: hariyahu | July 17, 2008 at 11:02 AM
BK,
It take a man to admit when he is wrong.
Your apology is accepted.
A.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon "Bill" K. | July 17, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Mamba24
Although I would have given Fish an A, BK is obviously and deservedly allowed to have his own opinion. His analysis is basically spot on and whether Fish deserves an A or B+ basically depends on how much weight is given to Fish's off court contributions. BK certainly gives it it's due respect. Some of see it as possibly saving the franchise (I mean saving it from years in the realm of Clipperdom, sorry Jon). But that could obviously be a stretch. Given the way the bandwagon is titled, I'd prefer not to be on it.
I would like to start a JUST SAY NO TO PCP (I mean Artest) bandwagon. If you choose to do so, a Pro-Artest bandwagon should also be set up simultaneously.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 11:05 AM
*______________________________*
JON K FOR KING OF THE WORLD
BANDWAGON - HIP HIP HORRAY
*_____________________________*
(01) MAMBA24 - DRIVER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | July 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
hariyahu -
As AK and BK have explained, the Lakers cannot sign and trade Ronny now that he has signed an offer sheet with the Warriors. If the Lakers match, I believe they cannot trade him until December 15th, as stipulated by the CBA.
Posted by: puddle | July 17, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I know the salary cap is totally confusing, but this website is unbelievably good at explaining every question you could possibly have about the rules of the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement...
http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#28
Enjoy!
Posted by: puddle | July 17, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Maybe I'll head over to a Bass Fishing website until this whole grade changing thing blows over.
one porblem.
I hate bass fishing web sites, and bass fishing television as well. In fact the only thing I like about bass fishing is the bass. Unfished, as it were. Swimming around in the water, what cool bass.
But seriously, don't you guys have jobs...why do we care about a grade from a blog anyhoo? Aren't we all getting a little worked up over this. Or maybe we feel like we are angering the Derek. What delicacy would the Derek like prepared for him today? Perhaps the Derek would like a footsie rub? Oh, the Derek looks unhappy, perhaps we should throw a vestigal virgin in the volcano so the Derek will look favorably on us!
Just funnin'.
But seriously, can't we go back to our earlier posts about orcs and such
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdXQJS3Yv0Y
seriously, this song is GREAT.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | July 17, 2008 at 11:25 AM
*___________________________*
Just say NO to Artest as a Laker
- Bandwagon
*__________________________*
(01) GiantSquid - Owner & Driver
*___________________________*
Just say Yes to Artest as a Laker
Bandwagon
*___________________________*
(01) MAMBA24 - Driver
Posted by: mamba24 | July 17, 2008 at 11:26 AM
MAMBA24
Are you seriously gonna start this bandwagon stuff in the off season? I'm just saying.
Posted by: Fire32 | July 17, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Puddle,
"I know the salary cap is totally confusing, but this website is unbelievably good at explaining every question you could possibly have about the rules of the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement... http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#28"
There's actually a link to the site in our "categories" section on the right side of the blog. I would also encourage people to check it out.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM
All grading aside, isn't it great to just have Derek back in LA? Fish was the most important acquisition of the year. His leadership and presence on the team was priceless. He was definitely the guy that Kobe leaned on especially in the beginning of the season.
On the floor, he sets a defensive/hustle presence and a pretty solid jumper as well. There were a few times, especially in the playoffs where I felt as though he wasn't in the flow of the offense. Particularly following a sub par performance, he would hoist up shots early instead of getting his shots within the offense. He just isn't the floor general that the "grade A" PGs (Paul, Deron, Nash, etc) are. So I'd give him a B (84%) for his performance on the floor.
His locker room presence definitely deseves an A (94%), so average that and you get 89%, wich is a solid B+. I think this is a great grade for Fish, infact, it's an improvement from his season in Utah IMO. Plus it leaves less room for improvement for next year, and Fish could definitely tighten up his game. If he moves up to an A-/A PG, we will take home the O'Brien. I think the love/appreciation for Fish combined with the propensity of these individuals to get good grades has blinded some of the scholars on this blog.
Posted by: JSNV | July 17, 2008 at 11:31 AM
FIRE32 WHAT IS IT YOU ARE JUST SAYING SIR!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | July 17, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Fire32 don't hate the messenger. But I guess I'll go back to Fishing. By now!
Posted by: Mamba24 | July 17, 2008 at 11:33 AM
AK -
Ha, I didn't even notice that. But yes, I see it there now, thanks for the heads up.
It's quite a read (I think it took me a few weeks to read it completely) but it's worth it if you want to understand how teams can do things like what the Lakers did when they used a retired Aaron McKie in a sign and trade for Pau Gasol. Or how the Knicks could sign Kentucky player Randolph Morris midseason. Fascinating stuff.
Posted by: puddle | July 17, 2008 at 11:36 AM
AK/BK
First off, I do want to let you guys know how much I appreciate the work both of you do. This site is the first website I check out in the morning and the only place I trust with Laker news. I do understand why you gave Derek the B grade; I think most of us are grading him as a person not necessarily as a basketball player. He is older and his skills are not what they used to be, but we all love the guy and treasure every thing he has done for the Laker organization.
How about a compromise? How many of you went to high school in California? Remember the report cards? You used to get your grade and then next to it were two boxes, one was marked “cooperation” and the other “work habits”, and your teacher could fill those boxes with an “E” which equals excellent, “S” which is satisfactory and “U” which is unsatisfactory.
I propose we give Fisher Brian and Andy’s overall grade of B+ for his basketball contributions and give him an “E” for both work habits and cooperation. Would that be a fair compromise?
Posted by: Elle | July 17, 2008 at 11:37 AM
((((( Jamie Sweet )))))
WHERE THERE'S A WHIP, THERE'S A WAY!
Great song choice Jamie Sweet. High fives and fist bumps to all the J.R.R. Tolkien fans on this blog!
PJ and staff should crack the whip during training camp, and you just KNOW that Kobe will grab that whip (and LEAD by example) once the regular season begins.
THIS team is no longer "young and inexperienced." They've been through some tough battles, and have the scars to prove it. Next year, look for the Lakers' season to conclude with a Victory Parade down Figueroa and onto Chick Hearn Court!
P & G R
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | July 17, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Mamba 24,
Please put me on the "Just Say No To Ron Bill Ron Ron d'Artest" bandwagon.
Jamie Sweet,
I telecommute, so I nigh-literally am always on my computer. That's how I can post as much as I do. Anyhow, all I can say is that I'm glad that BK formally apologized about his insult to Derek Fisher and Laker Nation. The natural order has been righted. "A."
Regarding bass fishing, well, we all know there are some pretty bad boys out there who bass fish, so I wouldn't want to run with THAT tough a crowd, if you know what I mean. So, I try to avoid bass fishing as much as possible and stick to spearing baracudda and other more benign sports.
I hope we retain Ronny "Braveheart" Turiaf. It just wouldn't be right to see him in another jersey.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon "Bill" K. | July 17, 2008 at 11:39 AM
No I'm not hatin on you, I have absolutely no problem with you. I was just wondering.
Posted by: Fire32 | July 17, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Mamba24 - those were cods and stripers slapping your head, not hands, hahahaha. Your mile-long NO PEACE was hilarious - put me on any bandwagons you choose!
Edwin - I saw the youtube dunk - it was awesome. The guy plays fearless, no doubt.
Kwaminus - please don't feel bad. We'll take you back at minimum vet salary, prorated down for dropped passes and bricked dunks.... if we happen to still have a roster slot open... someday. Want a piece of cake?
Posted by: dave m | July 17, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Sometimes being a fan of a certain team has its advantages. The hard thing is staying away from biases. I have an advantage though; I am a fan of the game as well. I love its strategies and the teamwork aspect of the game. For the sake of comparison there were things I saw in Andrew Bynum and what he brought to the team. I was on a certain message board, and naturally fans of other teams couldn’t see why I thought Andrew Bynum was already at the age of 20 is a very good center as far as NBA standards are concerned. The term “very good” means being an effective teammate, after all basketball IS a team sport, isn’t it? Their argument was look at his point total it’s not as high as these guys; his rebounds per game aren’t enough to consider him very good, etc. I noticed during this time the Lakers were incrementally moving toward the top of the tough of the tough Western Conference. The Lakers had someone who was learning to clog the lane, making guards think twice about driving lane and creating opportunities for very easy points in the paint. I knew it was because Andrew Bynum’s efforts and how the team was improving.
I read many articles that were looking for the Lakers to finish around 6 or 7th seed in the West for the 2007 season. Citing the tumultuous off-season and the inexperience seen within this very young Laker team. The Lakers made some movement on include a not so flashy Derek Fisher. There were many articles written Derek’s resigning with the Lakers and why he left the Jazz. His reason for leaving the Jazz, showed me the leadership qualities within this man. He took less money in his return to L.A. for the well being of his “off-the-court team.”
If there were ever a comparison to make to why Derek should be validated and graded highly, I would compare him to Kurt Rambis and then beyond. Today's game is somewhat different back when the showtime Lakers were playing ball. Pressures seem to be different, off the court actions are more previalant and relevant to the game. Probably because of the press, they put the fan in the locker room at times. Remember last season someone (Kobe) wasn't happy? So much was said and written about that, just consider it for a bit. Bottom line is that things in the locker room probably were very uncomfortable. Derek isn’t the one getting paid to tell his staff to act professional and remind his work mates that this is what your getting paid to do. He doesn’t have to tell them to get over it that they are professionals. He just shows them. Fisher knew he was being hired and was expected to mentor this group of guys. Face it professional sports is not just talent, it’s also mental a detail that can be forgot quickly. After all it was demonstrated that Kobe was one that could be a bad workmate to get a long with. Add to that Derek’s stats and I would say the Lakers got more than their moneys worth. Derek proved to be the king of intangibles.
Posted by: tom a | July 17, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I mean, I'm just sayin.
Posted by: Fire32 | July 17, 2008 at 11:50 AM
EX,
~~ If it is two seconds remaining, then probably Kobe, Sasha, Bynum, Fisher.
Why not give the ball to your favorite player, Luuuuuuuuke? It will create a brick perimeter w/ cement around the rim, he will scratch his head and a sad face. You in turn will say, "he was trying his best"!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 17, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Glad your back Mamba 24.
Please please please but me down for the NO to Artest bandwagon.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | July 17, 2008 at 11:57 AM
What up Charles!!! How the #$%@ have you been? We should do another T@57% Garden run soon!! I gotta put the fam up on that game!!! Peace.
Posted by: JSNV | July 17, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Jon-
I have no idea what you're talking about. Not sure if you're trying to be funny or what, but on the odd chance people are digesting what you're saying, no, I haven't changed the grade, nor "apologized" to the Laker Nation (as there is nothing to apologize for). You can crack jokes if you'd like about my resume or complain about my evaluation, but don't claim that I've done something I haven't. Some passerby might actually take you seriously.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Would anybody have an interest in bringing in 'Zo to fill Braveheart's slot?
Posted by: dave m | July 17, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Hey Mamba24
That's not the title of the bandwagon I asked for. It's JUST SAY NO TO PCP (I mean Artest).
Kidding! Thanks for the bandwagons.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 12:08 PM
BK,
And I quote "so feel free to continue your campaign".
I understand your need to save face. It's okay. We're all one big blogmunity here.
I accept your apology, as does Derek Fisher.
A.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon "Bill" K. | July 17, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Hey Mamba24
That's not the title of the bandwagon I asked for. It's JUST SAY NO TO PCP (I mean Artest).
Kidding! Thanks for the bandwagons.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Thanks for your contributions to the blog Let's go C's. Comic relief is always welcome whether it's clever or just plain dumb.
btw, what part of the Boston area are you from. It's not Cambridge, Newton, Back Bay, or Brookline. I'm guessing Somerville or South Boston.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 12:12 PM
EDWIN GUECO:"Why not give the ball to your favorite player, Luuuuuuuuke? It will create a brick perimeter w/ cement around the rim, he will scratch his head and a sad face. You in turn will say, "he was trying his best"!
BE NICE EDWIN LOL!
DAVE M:"Would anybody have an interest in bringing in 'Zo to fill Braveheart's slot?"
HELL YES!! Now thats a warrior!
M
mrbarneydangles |how you been sir. Yes, yes I agree.
But new rules for Bandwagons only one run a day
so all new entries will appear tomorrow.
BK. SORRY MAN!
Posted by: mamba24 | July 17, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Jon-
You seem in dire need of sunlight and fresh air.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Posey getting 25M, Roony 17M, Arenas 111M, Davis 65M, Brand 80M now who said that we still value US dollars? It turned into Mickey Mouse money. Can we get a little stipend from the Lakers F/O for giving them all kinds of idea whether fishy or scientific but still an idea?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 17, 2008 at 12:23 PM
-Bill & Baseball-
Maybe "progressives" will impose racial quotas on All-Star teams.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1088991.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: Sonnybelfast | July 17, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Jon-
I have no idea what you're talking about. Not sure if you're trying to be funny or what, but on the odd chance people are digesting what you're saying, no, I haven't changed the grade, nor "apologized" to the Laker Nation (as there is nothing to apologize for). You can crack jokes if you'd like about my resume or complain about my evaluation, but don't claim that I've done something I haven't. Some passerby might actually take you seriously.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Apology accepted, admiral!
Posted by: Benjamin | July 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
BK (aka "The Bat Boy of the Bad Boy of Bass Fishing"),
1. In all seriousness, it's a bit disappointing that after all these years, you still don't get my eccentric, whimsical sense of humor. I mean, come on.
2. Regarding making fun of your resume, I'm not. I'm making fun of how you've puffed yourself up in your resume. I mean, come on! "Bad boy of bass fishing?" Did you and AK stay up all night thinking up that line? Couldn't you have just said something like "legendary bass fisherman" or something a little less over-the-top? Laker Nation is pretty sophisticated in terms our reading between the lines and such. I think when I and others poke fun at you for the "bad boy of bass fishing" line, it's because you're puffing yourself up in a relatively unsophisticated way, and we all know you are better than that.
3. You and AK are great writers and I think I speak for everyone here (except Let's Go C's and Butler) that we all expect great things to happen in your careers as journalists. When those great things happen, you will look back at the line "bad boy of bass fishing" and shake your head with a similar bemusement (even befuddlement, mayhaps) as I do now.
4. I accept your apology.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon "Bill" K. | July 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
BK,
1. Dude! Why did you erase my post? Uncool! Urgh. Your tyranny must end!
2. Yes. I am in dire need for sunlight and there's not much of it here in Cleveland. Telecommuting sucks.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon "Bill" K. | July 17, 2008 at 12:28 PM
BK. JON, IT'S ALL THAT DEVIL MAMBA24'S FAULT
TURN YOUR ANGER ON THAT SCOUNDREL!
Come on guys! I come back and I blew it! Now put
some logs on the pit and roast me at the stake and let's
get back to BBall. LAKER NATION MY SINCERE APOLOGIES. I'M KIND OF
RUSTY AT THIS BLOGGING THING. LOL!
LARRY(MAMBA24)
Posted by: MAMBA24 | July 17, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Sonny be nice. How you been brother?
Posted by: Mamba24 | July 17, 2008 at 12:33 PM