The beginning of this is something I posted over at the JustBBall message boards when I read that the Lakers were thinking about bringing in Derek Fisher, possibly using their MLE on him. I felt like bringing up some of these observations about Fisher, because I think some people are under a grave misconception about how good of a player he really is.

Derek Fisher is by all accounts a very classy and very kind guy, who's gone through a real rough time. That said, from a basketball standpoint, it's worth keeping in mind that the Warriors traded him to Utah because he simply wasn't that good. He has a good spot up three point shot, and can finish under the basket, but isn't very skilled with the ball, and last year, shot a terrible percentage from the field. Because he exuded the bluecollar ethic that Utah fans so love, and because of his inspirational performance in the playoffs, I think people are either reluctant to mention his basketball shortcomings, or simply don't realize. Last year for the Jazz, he started 61 games for them, and scored 10 points per, with three assists.

Important to note, though, is that he shot a mere .382 from the field, and only .308 on threes, which is supposed to be his strength. In fact, his career shooting percentage in 11 years is a shade under .400.

While he's lauded for his defense, he stands only six foot one, and makes a lot of mistakes gambling on steals and flopping for calls. He was praised for his role in beating Golden State in game two of the playoffs last year, and certainly he was the gamechanging factor, but that isolated performance shouldn't trick anyone into thinking that at 32 he's a five year MLE player. If he and Baron Davis went at it, Davis would prevail 9 times out of 10. The fact that Davis had been logging heavy, draining minutes the entire postseason while Fisher had arrived during the third quarter completely rested was never addressed, but I tend to think that may have played as much of a role in the outcome of that game as anything.

Derek Fisher is a great guy, a great teammate, and a great father. But, in all honesty, he isn't, and never has been, a great point guard.

The media's fascination with Fisher is understandable. I noticed its origins years before his daughter's tragic condition became public knowledge. It began to swirl about when Fisher hit the .4 second shot to beat San Antonio in the playoffs, the shot some people say should never, and could never have been. With every three pointer he hit, the reputation gre stronger. "Clutch. Veteran. Competitor." Very familiar lines to NBA fans, all adjectives you'll often hear attributed to players that are lauded, despite the numbers just not adding up.

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Nice piece! I gave it a plug on Ballhype.
- Atma Brother #1

Ballhype - Debunking the Fisher myth