Derek Fisher is headed back to the Southwest.
After spending the end of last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder and waiting out the first month of a new season in search of the right opportunity, Derek has found a new home in Dallas.
D-Fish signed a one-year contract today with the Dallas Mavericks, who hope Derek can solidify a backcourt that has been stricken by injuries and inconsistent play.
"Right now, the point guard position is a challenge for us. I think Derek can help us," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "I don’t see him as a cure-all to all the challenges we have as a team, but a guy with that kind of experience can help. I think he can really help our situation with experience, defensively and really all areas of the game.”
Following the departure of veteran Jason Kidd to the Knicks in free agency this summer, Dallas has been searching for the right mix at the point. A trade for Darren Collison helped to fill the gap, but he is currently out with an injured finger and youngsters Rodrigue Beaubois and Dominique Jones haven’t been able to take the reigns. Fish is expected to start upon his arrival in Dallas.
"I think Fisher can help us as a starter. This is a great opportunity for Darren to develop into a true starting point guard in this league." Carlisle said. "With Derek coming in, it’s a great opportunity for Darren to learn from one of the greatest winners in the history of the game."
Collison agreed with his coach and believes the addition of D-Fish will help the Mavs.
"I think his leadership will help," Collison said. "He’s a veteran guy who’s been around the NBA for a long, long time. I think he’s going to help me grow into the player I want to be and he’s going to help this team grow."
The Mavericks have also been without the leadership and veteran savvy of All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki, who hasn’t played yet this season due to a knee injury. The Mavericks are currently 7-9 on the season and after a game on Saturday at home against the Pistons will play six of their next seven games on the road.
"At this point, we’re struggling a little bit, and anytime you got a vet like Fisher who can come in with experience, that will help," said Mavs center Chris Kaman. "We’re trying to figure out our identity, and the coaches are doing everything they can and it’s frustrating. Hoping this addition will bring us some help."
RELATED ARTICLES
- Mavs agree with Derek Fisher (ESPN, November 29, 2012)
- Rick Carlisle: Derek Fisher not a ‘cure-all’ (ESPN Dallas, November 29, 2012)
- Derek Fisher to sign with Mavericks (LA Times, November 28, 2012)
- Derek Fisher to sign with Mavericks Thursday (SB Nation, November 28, 2012)
- Mavs to sign PG Fisher (Dallas Morning News, November 28, 2012)
- Mavs will sign Derek Fisher on Thursday (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, November 28, 2012)
I want to get your jersey!
I watched you for all your years on the Lakers and then when you went to the Thunder. I will now watch you at Dallas. I have admired your gentlemanly way and your calm way you seem to approach life. No matter where you go I will remain your fan. I hope you continue to play for as long as possible and hope to see you as a coach one day. God Bless you and good luck.