Derek Fisher's speech: The latest example of how his leadership helps the Lakers
With the regular season finally over, the Lakers took the day off from a full practice Thursday, but that didn't mean the team wasn't already gearing up for the postseason.
The Lakers gathered together Thursday night for a video session as preparation for the team's first-round matchup beginning Sunday against Oklahoma City. But what transpired from that session also involved a speech from Lakers guard Derek Fisher, who implored his teammates to turn around a sluggish 17-day period that included losses to New Orleans, Atlanta, San Antonio, Denver, Portland and the Clippers to close out the regular season.
"Just put all your personal stuff down," Lakers center Andrew Bynum recalled Fisher saying. "If you go out here and play basketball next to the guy alongside you, we won't make as many mistakes. We'll be able to rotate better on defense and the big thing is having each other's backs. Personal stuff, just pick that up during the summer time."
When relayed about his speech, Fisher initially expressed mild frustration that the anecdote didn't remain behind closed doors. And he didn't say much about the content of his speech other than, "I just wanted to share some things that I felt were important as we prepare ourselves for this weekend." But there's no denying the fact the Lakers saw Fisher's speech as the latest example of how his leadership presence helps the team. Regarding Fisher, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said: "It's tough to call him a glue guy because he's much more than that." Lakers forward Lamar Odom simply said, "The team meeting was cool." And Bynum went so far as saying the team's strong practice on Friday partly had to do with Fisher's speech. Said Bynum: "It got everybody's minds headed in the right direction."
Surely, Fisher enters the postseason facing many challenges. He must defend speedy Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, who burned the Lakers' backcourt with an average of 22 points and 10 assists in their past two meetings against the Thunder, although he has shot below 50% in nine of the last 11 games of the season. Fisher also will play in a depleted backcourt, which will be without Sasha Vujacic indefinitely because of a severely sprained left ankle and could be limited with Jordan Farmar, who suffered a strained left hamstring during the Lakers' 106-100 victory Tuesday over the Sacramento Kings. And lastly, Fisher, 35, has just finished his 14th regular season with his lowest points-per-game average (7.5) and shooting percentage (38%) since his 2003-04 season with the Lakers, although he improved his numbers in April, averaging 8.3 points per game on 41.7% shooting.
Yet it's something like the speech he gave on Thursday that shows why Fisher, who will become a free agent this off-season, remains valuable to the Lakers. His leadership isn't always tangible as the speech. His locker-room presence isn't as scrutinized as perhaps his shooting numbers or shoddy defense. And his character isn't as quantified as the stats that are readily available after every game. Despite Fisher's struggling season, however, his presence will be an integral part during the Lakers' postseason.
Of course, the latest anecdote involving Fisher's speech is nothing new. And neither are his numbers. He became a lightning rod for criticism in the 2009 playoffs, shooting only 27.1% from three-point range heading into Game 4 of last season's NBA Finals. But teammates recognized Fisher's leadership, such as his "This is your moment" speech in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. He also demonstrated why his on-court presence is valuable even after missing his first five shots in Game 4 against the Magic. His three-pointer with 4.6 seconds remaining in regulation instantly became one of the greatest shots in Lakers history. Fisher's second three-pointer with 31.3 seconds left clinched the Lakers victory. It also rekindled memories of his game-winning shot with 0.4 of a second left in the 2004 conference semifinals in San Antonio.
Those who criticize Fisher's on-court performance roll their eyes when supporters regurgitate the above paragraph. In one respect, I don't blame them. Having the ability to make clutch shots and accept the positive and negative consequences of taking those shots doesn't suddenly erase any of the missed shots Fisher has taken in non-clutch situations. Nor do they excuse his season-long struggle in defending young and quick point guards, as well as defending the pick-and-roll. And remember, Fisher did miss potential game-winners in an 87-86 loss Feb. 18 to Boston and in a 96-94 loss April 8 to the Denver Nuggets. Fisher also took responsibility for the Lakers' 91-88 last Sunday to Portland. But on the other respect, dismissing Fisher's clutch shots and his speeches misses the whole point.
My main argument doesn't entail Fisher's late-game shots or that he is more reliable and more experienced than the inconsistent Shannon Brown and Farmar provide off the bench. My main argument doesn't point to the fact Brown and Farmar also take ill-advised shots and struggle defending from the perimeter. And my main argument doesn't fall into the discussion that Fisher is more valuable because he fits the lesser of two evils.
Those are all legitimate points I agree with, but framing Fisher's value to the Lakers in that respect actually downgrades his importance. Fisher isn't just the better alternative that least hurts the team among the Lakers' point guards. He actually helps the team in many ways.
I understand when fans sneer at the whole leadership argument, saying it's something that sounds cliched and undefinable. But as his most recent speech demonstrated, it is definable. Bynum credited that as a significant factor into why the Lakers played so soundly in Friday's practice. That argument may lead to responses, such as, "If Fisher's so great at making speeches and inspiring the team to play hard, why haven't the Lakers played better?" Well, to nitpick, the Lakers have. Fisher was involved in an air-it-out meeting during the team's winless three-game trip in early March. Although the execution was far from perfect, the Lakers responded with a better effort in a loss against Orlando. He gave a half-time speech two days later when the team played uninspired basketball against Toronto. Though the game was essentially decided by Bryant's game-winner, the team credited Fisher's discussion as laying the foundation for a better second half.
I do understand the argument, however, that speeches don't suddenly lead to consistent success. And as a society we've become so numb to sports cliches and rousing speeches that they often seem nothing more than empty words fit for a sports movie. But the issue isn't that Fisher speaks eloquently. It's more that these speeches represent a larger picture in how effective he is at relaying the coaching staff's message and taking a measured approach in ensuring that mindset stays in the locker room.
"I've learned a lot from Phil over the years in terms of trying to give guys space to be who they are and recognizing things on their own," Fisher said when asked to outline how he approaches his leadership role when the postseason begins. "But at the same time, say things that need to be said at the time they need to be said. Guys, their ears go up and their eyes lock in and they hear it better when it's something that they don't hear all the time. This year, in particular, I've tried to be respectful of the fact that the season is long and you can't harp on guys to be perfect 100-plus games out of the year and think we're going to play this great basketball all the time."
Again, there may be some who reads these examples and conclude that this doesn't demonstrate how Fisher serves value to the team, but rather demonstrates why Fisher would be a good coach someday. Fisher certainly would be a good candidate whenever he finishes his basketball career, a sentiment he acknowledged recently to ESPN Los Angeles' Andy and Brian Kamenetszky. But this argument has many flaws.
It doesn't equate the dynamic on how a team operates. The head coach and the assistant coaching staff generally set the tone and lay out the message they want conveyed to their players. But for that message to fully translate to the team, that message requires certain players to reiterate it for the rest of their teammates. This is often necessary just because of human nature. Athletes in all sports after a while tend to tune out a coach. This isn't necessarily because the player is showing disrespect toward the coach, although that can become a factor, but because the same voice and repetitive message can often become numbing. Players often view teammates in a different light than a coaching staff because they know they're mostly experiencing the same frustrations and grind through a demanding schedule. And they also know that any sentiments shared in the locker room won't be scrutinized as heavily as perhaps a coach would perceive it.In the Lakers' case, Bryant reiterates Jackson's message by giving a full effort every night, displaying his amazing skill set and chewing out teammates if necessary. Odom demonstrates it with his down-to-earth demeanor and willingness to embrace a jack-of-all-trades role. And Fisher showcases it with his championship experience, his enthusiasm in fulfilling a team exercise such as sporting a playoff beard and being available most times to the media. This isn't about Fisher being media friendly or well-spoken to reporters, either. The importance of that task entails the fact that it relieves possible scrutiny from other players, while also leaving himself vulnerable to endless questions about his own performance as well as the team itself.
Then there's a whole other issue, one that's even more defined because many, including myself, aren't fully aware of what goes on behind closed doors. An anonymous NBA player in a recent issue of ESPN The Magazine brought up another point about Fisher's value to the team. In the article, the player mentions Fisher's name in passing as a guy who helps steer players away from trouble. Surely, there are times he has helped prevent potential problems, and I'm talking about ones that could threaten the locker room. For all the struggles the Lakers have experienced this season, there hasn't really been much drama. You can surely bet part of that has to do with Fisher's leadership.
Of course, the value Fisher brings in this respect may be offset with Oklahoma City overwhelming the Lakers' backcourt, or Fisher shooting poorly from the field. But there's no denying he'll still be helpful to the team along the way. And fortunately, for Fisher's sake, the Lakers fully understand and embrace the way his leadership leaves an imprint on the team.
-- Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers guard Derek Fisher has his knees wrapped in ice during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's game. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times.
MM,
Well done sir. I'm sure there are those that will follow this comment with tons of Fish bashing but I think for each garbage point they make, you can point back to the better counter argument in this article.
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | April 17, 2010 at 08:45 AM
MM,
Can you do a thread on Lakers advocates who contend Lakers would be improved if Fisher did not play?
You saw the Nuggets game?
Fish said what after his shot was swatted?
Trailblazers game?
Fish said what after committing bonehead foul?
Mark how could you serve us a breakfast overdose of Fish?
Good thing its early and this thread will pass.
Posted by: Todd | April 17, 2010 at 08:45 AM
Jolly Rancher - Thanks a lot. I hope those arguments help calm the criticism regarding Fish.
Todd - I addressed that in the story. So sorry.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 08:47 AM
Oh shucks, as soon I posted about Fisher in the previous one, another thread is introduced. This is what I mean of catching up a fast moving blog train. It's Saturday morning for laid back Los Angelenos, just waking up and sipping their morning coffee while in your case you are all business go, go, go. Don't worry, you will never run of stories on the Lakers. lol! Traditional staticians like LTLF, Blitz could not even butt in; Hobbit could not respond, Pfunk, Ken, Laker Truth, Jamie Sweet are still composing their posts while you are preparing for the next salvo. There is no chance for EX to insert his one line banters, Dave M has not warmed up so we see their names in another blog. LMAO!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 17, 2010 at 08:57 AM
Edwin - I had a post last night and now one this morning. You look at ESPN's site and they did the exact same thing. A late post and an early morning post.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Good morning or should I say bad morning?
Negativity rule the forums.It must bring them comfort. Meanwhile, "the others" are out there doing something else.
Sad.
Posted by: mti312 | April 17, 2010 at 09:09 AM
Jolly Rancher - Thanks a lot. I hope those arguments help calm the criticism regarding Fish.
Todd - I addressed that in the story. So sorry.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 08:47 AM
----------------------------
MM,
Uh no - you didn't address our concerns Fisher terrible play.
You just gave us media babble about Fish's leadership.
You then walked back the babble with the disclaimer ...
"Of course, the value Fisher brings in this respect may be offset with Oklahoma City overwhelming the Lakers' backcourt, or Fisher shooting poorly from the field."
Posted by: Todd | April 17, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Todd - How is that babble? I'm assessing the issue
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 09:19 AM
D-Fisher said:
"If you go out here and play basketball next to the guy alongside you, we won't make as many mistakes. We'll be able to rotate better on defense and the big thing is having each other's backs. Personal stuff, just pick that up during the summer time."
my response: I wish he had said this 4 months ago instead of throwing Kobe
under the bus.
D-Fisher said:
"I've learned a lot from Phil over the years in terms of trying to give guys space to be who they are and recognizing things on their own," Fisher said when asked to outline how he approaches his leadership role when the postseason begins. "But at the same time, say things that need to be said at the time they need to be said. Guys, their ears go up and their eyes lock in and they hear it better when it's something that they don't hear all the time. This year, in particular, I've tried to be respectful of the fact that the season is long and you can't harp on guys to be perfect 100-plus games out of the year and think we're going to play this great basketball all the time."
my response: Saying things at the time they need to be said ... So what
happened to 72 wins, home court advantage, 60 wins, going into the
playoffs with momentum?
I can't ever recall any of the Chicago bulls saying anything like this. Can
someone [ KB Blitz ? ] refresh my memory on this?
Ok. Enough belly achin'. It's the playoffs. It's money on the table time.
I don't want to hear/read about any more encouraging speeches. No more
Fisher as coach in the locker room metaphors. No more nobel peace prizes
for coddling a championship team.
Play defense. Make your cuts. Make your passes. Make your shots.
It's the playoffs. Time to separate the Champs from the Chumps!
Go Kobe!
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: hobbitmage | April 17, 2010 at 09:31 AM
MM, you are the model moderator not the ESPN people. Laker passion started from LAT and emanates from this blog, that's the standard. Let them follow and copy u, not you following them. Follow the Chick's formula and you'll never get lost with the Laker fans and advertisers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 17, 2010 at 09:44 AM
fisher better get all his speeches done now because once the playoffs start and hes *ON* the court it might be a little hard to take him seriously
but hes a bulldog.. he wont quit and will retaliate with more hard fouls and hopefully more ejections (cross my fingers)
Posted by: yellofever | April 17, 2010 at 09:48 AM
Edwin - No I got you. I was just citing it as an example. But I looked at the Lakers blog archives and it's a myth to say there were only one or two posts a day. In most cases, the K Bros had the same number of threads, if not more. I don't like comparing myself to anyone because I wan to be my own person, but I'm just pointing out that it's like I've suddenly revolutionized the blog's format
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 09:51 AM
Here is a motivation to our Lakers. Right now there is voting going on at newsvine under MSNBC.com where a question is asked which No. 1 team would likely be upset in the first round? It is a choice between Lakers and Cleveland and the results are running 70 -30 Lakers will go home early. Put that on the board that Lakers are the defending Champs and they're underdog on the first round against Thunder.
It is time for Fisher to shut up and focus on his set jump shots. He is becoming like Luke (before) in talking...let the game speak for itself. Who listens to speeches and sermons when they don't execute it on the court.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 17, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Seems like I've heard all of this before.
I found it funny that in the same sentence you talk about Westbrook roasting us but that he's been cold against other teams (lately)
That's the whole point.
I just hope that with the one team focus of the playoffs that this is diminished.
Where would we be now had Fish not shoved Scola?
Shutter the thought.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 17, 2010 at 10:07 AM
for those of you picking orlando in the east over the cavs like lakertom.. i hope to god you're right but i dont see it happening.
guarantee it will be a lot closer than the 4-2 thrashing they took last year.. they also got shaq to neutralize dwight now.
but i got two words: hedo turkoglu... his presence will be sorely missed in the playoffs.. i just dont see anyone capable of taking his place in the clutch. he was their go to guy last year and had the ball 90% of the time in the clutch.. you say vince carter?.. hahahaha.. he will meltdown faster than a popsicle in the sahara desert.. (remember hes related to tmac!)
so i FEAR FOR MY LIFE lakers play cavs.. maybe the celtics will get it together rejuvenate and ray rays head will be in the game.. i think thats our best hope. JMO
Posted by: yellofever | April 17, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Guys, the entire team respects and listens to Fisher. Nuff said.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Good morning,
Took me a few minutes to get this started. I had to wipe my eyes a few times after they glazed over reading what a great leader Fish is for the umpteenth time.
Fish is more of a politician than a leader. If great speeches could turn a team around, the Lakers could hire Deepak Chopra.
Fish is a politician. He relishes his role as President of the NBA Players Association. He's banking that his "intangibles" can earn him another NBA contract next season, when his stats say he's done. He's spent the season clinging to his starter's role, instead of stepping back to groom Farmar, UPS, or Sasha (take your pick). If Fish were such a great leader and coach, one of those three would be ready to assume the mantle.
When the game clock is down to 0.4 in Game 7, there's no time for a game winning speech. It's not 2004. Because of Father Time, Fish's skills are not what they were. Fish has had all season to be a real leader and groom the next Lakers point guard to make the big shot. He's failed to do so. This season, it's been all about Fish, and not the good of the team.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 17, 2010 at 10:15 AM
but i guarantee you this.. come playoffs when the stakes are high and leBrick will be missing all his outside shots he will go to his famous 4 step *SIGNATURE* move..
1. lower your shoulders
2 drive the lane
3 charge
4 pray for a whistle.
ITS ABSOLUTELY UNSTOPPABLE and backed by full faith and credit of the commissioner of the nba.. its fantastic.. where amazing *corruption* happens.
Posted by: yellofever | April 17, 2010 at 10:18 AM
MM,
Its babble because you dismiss Fisher's on court terrible play as though upgrade at that position isn't warranted. You mention Fisher's shooting woes then dismissively say Farmar and Brown are as inconsistent as Fisher, yet their FG% is better.
You try to create warm fuzzies about a speech, when people's eyes see Fisher getting torched by almost every opposing guard tandem this year.
Its babble because your arguments aren't related to Fish's play THIS season.
Fish's game this season can be summarized as atrocious defense, bonehead plays, and bricks.
No amount of Phil Jackson, ESPN or Fisher interviews can change the obvious. Fisher is by far the Lakers weakest link opposing teams seek to exploit.
You heard Andre Miller ... Bring on the Fish defense!
Posted by: Todd | April 17, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Hey, MM, don't sweat the trolls. We Laker Amigos have your back.
One good thing about allowing the trolls to keep slinging mud here is that it confirms the infinite wisdom of that old saying, "If lovin' Fisher (and the Lakers) is Wrong, I don't wanna be Wright"...or DFish...or...
Keep up the good work, MM. The ankle-biters bark, but the blogavan moves on...
Posted by: CornerJ | April 17, 2010 at 10:23 AM
MM, you always misinterpret me, it is not one post, two, three or four but the spacing of your threads. Let the discussion develop, formed and simmer down before introducing another, Fisher speaks...PJ talks...are those really news? They always talk since they joined the Lakers. lol! Unless there are truly breaking news that you have to interrupt the meeting of the assembly, find the incentive moments to go for another thread. I always return to late Chick as the model because he has a teachable lesson on leadership, not bothered by ratings nor big name competitors. He created a niche and a place to stand that nobody could touch him. Laker fans would go to the extent of turning their audio off on their TV sets while listening to Chicks radio feed rule the air. Mind you, radio was ahead by few seconds so Chick was always ahead of Heinsohn, Musburger and Stockton broadcasts. Nobody listen to their ads here in the Southland. Chick gain national prominence when reached the 3000 mark of broadcast consecutively, he became the "In N Out Burger" out there. I think you too have that potentials but you balance news reporting and discussion with your diversified market all the way from Australia, Philippines, Europe and South America.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 17, 2010 at 10:34 AM
A motivational speech is a good thing, we cant lose sight of our goal. If it's given by Fisher or Kobe, their message will be received in the locker room. Eight championship rings between the two, I would call that great leadership.
It's no different than us posting "It's time to put up or shut up." If you want Fisher to stop with the speeches, I suggest you do the same. Fisher's speech Will make an impact. yours? not so much.
Posted by: ChicNstu | April 17, 2010 at 10:35 AM
MM
what does OFF THE COURT speeches have to with ON THE COURT play?
nuff not said.
Posted by: yellofever | April 17, 2010 at 10:39 AM
MM, I'm not sure how this would work from a web design standpoint, but what if your were to integrate your "posts" within the context of a much larger, real-time, ongoing "comments" dialogue box? In other words, turn the "comments" into the blog itself, with you installed as moderator and your posts features within that system. That way your timely updates and news items would all fit into the natural flow of the day, with everyone else's commentary also coming front and center in a natural progression of news, input and reaction. This idea of each post carrying it's own comment section seems antiquated and too linear and box-like. IMO, the true nature of a blog is more fluid - it should be one enormous, constant, ongoing dialogue - punctuated by your input - which would be free to happen at anytime without creating doors or walls to otherwise inhibit a free-flowing forum for all readers/contributors.
Heck, at that point, even the Game Chats would become a natural component of this master, real-time system...
Posted by: jefe101 | April 17, 2010 at 10:45 AM
THe real season begins and Fisher will come through again with game winning shots.
Posted by: Gilbert Battug | April 17, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Rick,
It's amazing how much my opinion meshes with yours.
Excellent post and analysis. I think you summed it up nicely.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 17, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Luke Walton = better leader than this guy
Actions speak louder than words.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Derek Fisher can be a coach in the future. He'll win titles like Phil Jackson. He is learning and understanding the game from a great coach. Whether high school, college or even the NBA, Fisher with his leadership can win basketball games and titles. Watch for it...coming soon in great arenas of America.
Posted by: Gilbert Battung | April 17, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Edwin - There's not always news. But there's feature news or column ideas, such as the Fisher argument. The spacing of my threads have been pretty consistent. I'll have an early morning post, a mid-morning post, an early afternoon post and an early evening post. There was probably more yesterday because there was more to discuss and more news that came up. And those posts were spaced out in the early evening and late evening.
I have no problem with any feedback, positive or negative. I just thought it'd be good to step in to say I'm not just throwing stuff on the wall. Each post is distinguishable in its own way and has its own news value, whether it's breaking news, a feature or a column.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 11:34 AM
yellofever - it's not a matter of speeches. it's what i outlined in my article that it speaks to how he carries the coaching staff message and the team listens. they may not always execute properly but the team listens. the best example is during the teams struggle you have not seen the team become fractured and have drama
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 11:36 AM
jefe101 - Sounds like an intriguing idea. I can't say for sure if we're able to do that. But I'll pass your suggestion along to management to see what our capabilities are in doing that.
In the meantime, throwing an idea out here. Perhaps we should have like a topic of the day or poll of the day that serves as the main chat thread. Everyone is free to chat on other threads of course, but the topic of the day or poll of the day would serve as the more encompassing chat thread. What do you guys think of that idea?
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 11:45 AM
"If lovin' Fisher (and the Lakers) is Wrong, I don't wanna be Wright"...or DFish...or...
Posted by: CornerJ | April 17, 2010 at 10:23 AM
HEY CJ! ROFLMA!!!!!!!
GOOD ONE BUDDY!
Posted by: ChicNstu | April 17, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Eric - If I were truly being a Lakers homer or a Fisher apologist I wouldn't have mentioned his poor shooting numbers or his poor defense. I would say that my analysis was very balanced and nuanced
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Mark-
If what Fisher does best is giving moving speeches it would behoove the Lakers to let him give those monologues from the bench or better yet as an assistant coach.
Posted by: Aaron | April 17, 2010 at 01:09 PM
I WILL BE THE LONE VOICE TO STAND UP FOR DEREK FISHER. I have never blamed him when the Lakers lose and have such huge respect for him as a player, a competitor and person. Nobody has more heart. No one can question that Fisher is tough as nails and a great teammate. The Lakers' second of back-to-back championships was so impressive due in part to Fisher's consistent three point shooting. Last season against Orlando, he proved to everybody just how clutch he is. Some fans may have no confidence in him, but Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant do. That says a lot to me. His experience in the playoffs is huge. So to me, he has been an integral part of the Lakers' championships over the years and nobody can deny that. His veteran leadership and savvy will help the Lakers this postseason in ways no one can really quantify. To say the Lakers cannot win a championship this year with Fish is utter nonsense. You win as a team, you die as a team--remember, basketball is a team sport. With the shot clock winding down, Kobe will gladly give the ball to Fish for an open three every single time--you can count on that. Trust is something earned. Fish has mine.
Posted by: RON | April 17, 2010 at 01:23 PM
Sorry but this whole leadership and intangible things is OVER-RATED.
Sure the whole team respects and listens to Fish but does that change the fact that whenever Fish's man blows by him the rest of his teammates still have to scramble like mad to cover his behind? which happens pretty much way, way too often and too easy.
In spite of their length and overall basketball skills the Lakers' front line is NEVER more than just mediocre average shot blockers and rebounders. This means it is very important that the guards at least try to stay in front of their men as much as possible and not needing rotation help so much. Hadn't anybody noticed that in recent games even the bad teams have been able to score easily and plentiful against Lakers D?
If the stats from opposing PGs made Fish look bad, the reality is much WORSE. That is because there is no stats on how many times Fish couldn't keep in front of his men and let opposing PGs break down LA defense leading to a pass which in turn lead to an easy score by their teammates.
In the past Fish's teammates could have made up and/or cover for his deficiencies but not now, not today, not when they are all banged-up and no longer 100% healthy. Moreover, even when they get well in the near future it will not be injuries but aging that prevent them from being able to do so.
A championship-caliber team can ill-afford such weak link as Derek Fisher!
Posted by: Psycorp | April 17, 2010 at 03:46 PM
Fisher will be needing plenty of help from his teammates as Westbrook destroys him.
Posted by: hungryneck | April 17, 2010 at 04:38 PM
I did a similar post a few days ago on Fisher.
Yes, Fisher makes great motivational speeches, as it's his role as the elder statement in the team. Can't expect these speeches from Kobe or Jackson. Jackson seems to like playing mind games, and Kobe is talking all the time, as we found out from the Spike film.
All the speeching goes out the window the moment Fisher makes 3 out 10 shots, makes 2.5 assists a game, and gets constantly burned on pick and rolls. Although he'll play with high intensity and durability, he's also highly vulnerable on the court, and more of a liability.
However, he is not the key to victory. Just like everybody else here seems to be babbling the same ol samo, I'll do my usual babbling on the key problems of an offensive scheme that seems to have a lot of problems with zone defenses; and, the man-on-man defensive scheme that can't stop pick and rolls.
We'll see this pattern in every single game: Lakers shooting outside jumpers because of the zone defenses, as the other teams' scrub point guard is shooting lights out or penetrating the Lakers' Helter Skelter defense.
But, as we've come to see over the years, here comes Kobe in the 4th quarter, the team will live and die as he goes on or off.
Posted by: zopi | April 17, 2010 at 04:38 PM
Fisher has two chances against Russell Westbrook: SLIM and NONE. And SLIM has just left the building...
Posted by: Psycorp | April 17, 2010 at 05:01 PM
Great job, MM.
I love Derek and think he deserves much more credit than he receives. I have no doubt that he's instrumental in keeping other Lakers from getting into [assorted types of] trouble off-court, and his leadership and presence as a player are undeniable.
Sure, I'm bothered by his less than stellar play recently, but these are the PLAYOFFS, baby! He may not score a lot, or often, but I fully expect some great, MEANINGFUL shots from Derek, as always.
Posted by: SmartAssProducts.com | April 17, 2010 at 05:49 PM
FCM- see, this is what happens when you try to meet the derek detractors half way. In the future, just write; Derek Fisher is one of the best leaders, most clutch players, and experienced veterans that the Lakers can count on, not hope for, but count on when it matters. So all y'all complainers who think that you need to say differently can go jump in a lake. Preferably not one of the one's we're named after, cause y'all aren't worthy to swim there. Go ahead, renounce the last four titles. I dare you. Renounce away!
No, go renounce, I don't want to talk to you. RENOUNCERS! BAH! I SPIT IN YOUR RENOUNCEMENTS!
Posted by: phred | April 17, 2010 at 07:17 PM
Hey Edwin - I'm finding it harder to get warmed up these days regardless of the blog, haha. I'm just getting old! I can always appreciate how you keep it flying high though.
MM - nice piece IMO. Fish has always been streaky, from day one. I can recall other years when he's just had the worst slumps. But, he retains confidence, plays hard, knows the system inside out, still takes charges like nobody else and shoots with one of the sweetest arcs around. He'll have his place on the floor until he decides to give it up or some other player takes it from him. There's always been this arguement,that he's sort of there by default, that we can't afford anyone better or our newer draft picks haven't worked out or somebody's injured or whatever. And, it's just kind of silly. You don't last this long in such a competitive game, on such a high-caliber team, because it's convenient or somebody's doing you a favor or the team doesn't have any other options. That's a crock. He's still playing and still starting, because management, the coaches and the players, still see his worth. Plain and simple.
Posted by: dave m | April 17, 2010 at 07:18 PM
Dave M - Thank your for the nice words on the post. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I agree with your take on Fish.
I hope you feel compelled further down the line to contribute to the blog. Your take on things have always been insightful and you've been a valued member of the Lakers blog for quite some time.
Thanks again
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 17, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Fish is the starting one on the NBA Champions. They have been to the Finals
the last 2 seasons. Pop's teams never went to the Finals in consecutive seasons.
They had the best record in the west.
They have the best coach in modern basketball and if he says Fish starts then
it's good enough for me. They are the favorites to go the the finals this year.
Fish is a class act and most of you morons are just that.
MM good writing.
Posted by: DR Len | April 17, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Face it, Fisher is the worst starting PG in the league right now. He only has to do 2 things - make open 3s and defend - and he does neither at an above average level. NBA benches around the league are littered with average PGs who could be doing a better job than Fisher.
Posted by: Brian | April 18, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Mark,
Great article. I enjoyed your balanced views. Just don't see why some are so negative on D.Fisher. We're now gonna see all the guys play for the real season-including Fish. Look for the usual clutch shots and get ready for the re-celebration. Thanks again MM.
A.L
Posted by: Arthur Lam Yuen | April 18, 2010 at 03:53 PM