Welcome to the new DerekFisher6.com.
To start my first of many blog entries on this site over the course of this season, I want to thank all my fans for their love and support over the course of my career. The idea behind relaunching my website, starting a blog and giving everything a fresh new look is basically another way to thank you, the fans, for what you’ve done for me.
You’ve provided me with the energy and the passion to keep playing the game for all of these years. I’m hopeful that this is another way for me to extend myself out to the people that have chosen to follow me and support me. For new fans that will come along as well, I think the site offers the chance to learn more about me, and understand who I am and what I’m all about. Maybe that will give you a different perspective on this old guy that you’re seeing playing out there.
Normally, you hear comments from me or other athletes via the media, through the eyes or ears of someone else. And oftentimes, when I’m asked a question by the media before or after a game, I’m not always in a reflective state of mind, so to speak.
I recognized an opportunity to have my fans come here, and get my perspective directly from me — not through an edit, or with someone else’s perspective added into it. It’s going to be my thoughts and my perspective. There’s an authenticity here that you can’t find elsewhere. So this will be a great chance to express some things that are on my mind and in my heart that aren’t related to the game.
As this season goes on, it will be interesting to reflect on those special moments and special games that took place in different cities. Most of the arenas that were around when I came into the league are either gone or they’ve been renovated, and don’t look or even feel the same. But you still have the memories of playing those franchises. To have had the opportunity to play in Madison Square Garden, one of the most famous venues for all of sports and entertainment — those will be memories I will never forget.
There aren’t many games I’ve circled on the calendar. I look forward to every game and every matchup as a chance to go out and compete, and really put my energy into bringing the same level of intensity, focus and respect for my opponent to every game. For that reason, I can’t say I really have particular guys who I’m looking forward to matching up against one more time any more than others, or even specific teams I’m excited to play against for the last time more than others.
There are a lot of really good teams in the league this year, and the league as a whole is probably as competitive as it has been in quite some time, at least in terms of the records. There are a lot of teams hovering around .500, so there are more teams that feel like they’re still in the hunt and are playing with a purpose. We’ll see how it goes.
ONE LAST NIGHT IN UTAH
My last game in Utah on Tuesday night will certainly be filled with a lot of emotion. I had the most special, life-changing moment in my career in that building during Game 2 of the 2007 Western Conference Semifinals.
Forget the game and the fact that we won. All of that is great. But when I think back to that whole experience, the thing that sticks out — and probably the only thing that matters — is the postgame interview I did with Pam Oliver, and what that did to save the lives of kids with retinoblastoma since then.
That’s the most remarkable aspect of that entire experience. The fact that just sharing my experience and my daughter’s experience helped other people, other children and other families is truly special. It will always be one of the most important, inspirational and life-altering moments of not just my basketball career, but my life.
A lot of things have happened since that moment. To think back to 2007, and look at how much my kids have grown since — it’s great to be able to say they’re all doing very well. We’ve sent one stepson off to college. My oldest daughter is 11, and the twins are seven years old. We’re all healthy, just enjoying life one day at a time as a family. I continue to be thankful and grateful for the opportunities that we have to be together as a family.
Along with that year I spent with the Jazz and that special moment in my life, I can also recall some great games against Utah in that building throughout my career. Most of them are bad memories because when I first came into the league, the Jazz used to beat up on us pretty good with John Stockton and Karl Malone. They were just so physically strong and mentally tougher than we were at that time in our careers, and they would show it just about every time we matched up against them.
There was a regular season game that we played in Utah back in Phil Jackson’s first year coaching the team (1999-2000) that comes to mind. Prior to Phil coming to the team, I was more of a traditional point guard, handling the basketball and facilitating. I was improving as a shooter, but that wasn’t what I was known for. So we’re playing this close game with the Jazz, and it’s going back and forth down the stretch, and I ended up hitting this big three out of the corner to seal the game.
I remember being very proud of having the confidence in that moment to take and make that shot from three-point range. It was something that was a big question mark going into the season. Being a smaller, more traditional point guard, I wasn’t supposed to be one of Phil Jackson’s favorite type of guys to have on his team. So shooting was something that I really worked hard at during the offseason, and that moment really catapulted my confidence level in playing for Phil and playing in that new system. It set the stage for my role going forward.
Whenever I go back to Salt Lake City to play, one of the first things I think about now is how the fans react. They’re booing or saying whatever they want to say — feeling that I left the team or that I’m a traitor, things like that. Sports sometimes warps people’s reality in terms of the way they relate to teams and the athletes on the teams. How you feel about my time with the Jazz or what you think I did to the Jazz — none of that matters in comparison to making a decision for my family related to the health of my daughter. The basketball part, the Jazz part, is kind of like a backdrop, and almost irrelevant in the context of what we’re actually talking about.
But I get a kick out of the reaction when they call me a traitor or a liar or whatever. I don’t think anybody has proven that my daughter didn’t have cancer, so there isn’t really anything to lie about, or any reason to be considered a traitor. I enjoy going there, not really saying much, and just going out, winning the game and going on to the next city. For the most part, the people who live in Salt Lake City are great people, and we as a family still consider ourselves to be connected to them. I try to remind myself that those people who say those things don’t represent Salt Lake City as a whole, and the way people feel about me or my family.
So being there for the last time as a player will be emotional for sure. I’m looking forward to it, though, because it’s a game I definitely want us to go up there and win. I’m excited for it.
As a 37 year old myself. I’ve pretty much grown up with you watching you play ball. I think you have been looked over to many times. You are valuable to every team you play on and I am proud that you chose the great state of Oklahoma as a member of the Thunder to finish your career out with. Thank You very much Fish.
Thanks for all your yrs if dedication not only in basketball but in everything you do…..you are and will always be a laker in my heart your leadership is amazing it’s funny cause my son makes fun of me when he sees you play he says mom your mans playing 😉 I wish you the best in the future may the good lord bless you and guide you I will continue to wear my your jersey when the lakers play while my son wears Kobe’s it’s the battle of the jerseys 🙂 and of course mines is the best no disrespect to Kobe but your my guy always will be thanks number 2 thanks for all the game winning shots your dedication my god bless you
Sincerely your biggest fan Sandra
Thank you Fish, this is a great gift to your fans!! You are loved by many and will be missed.
As a Jazz fan and former Salt Laker, I have to tell you I have been thoroughly embarrassed by some fans’ treatment of you. To me, you did what any father would do when you left the team — take care of your ailing child. This transcends an irrelevant sporting event. Hopefully, you will receive the welcome back to Utah you deserve!
DFish!!, Best left handed shooter I’ve ever seen, you will be missed infact you are already missed as ALaker . You will be never be forgotten. Congratulation s on your career, and Good luck on your future. Celtics suck!! You are a Laker legend in.my eye. God Blese you.
Thank you for giving us (the fans) an opportunity to share your personal insights and feelings. That is truly one of the things that sets you apart from so many. You are insightful, wise, compassionate, and genuine. Fans sometimes are unable to separate the human spirit from the overwhelming celebrity and desire to win. While I love to win, in the end, it is still just a game. Your choice to put your family first was most certainly the right one, whether others understand that or not.
I appreciate what you have brought to the Thunder organization and our city, both on and off the court. I hope that in your last year, we can make it special for you. Sure would be nice to get you one more ring! 😉
From a fan of the basketball player AND the man, thank you Derek! Many blessings to you and your family.
Fish, as a lifelong, die-hard Jazz fan, I can truly say that moment in the 2007 playoffs was one of the great moments in Jazz history. I think I speak on behalf of most Jazz fans when I say we wish you and your family nothing but the best…we just really, really, really despise the Lakers! Thanks for the great memories as Jazz man, and even as a Laker….and please don’t hit the game winner tonight in Utah!
@freakinjazz
Hello Mr. Fisher,
First of all, it has been exciting having you in the Thunder ball club. Thank you for your contributions to the Thunder team these past few seasons.
I do find it very amusing that you ended up in OKC, as my popularity has definitely gone up quite a bit since your arrival with some of my peers. I too play a little basketball (not on your level of course), so every time I pick up a basketball, there’s a “Derek Fisher” reference made. There was even one time where a ball camp was going on at the gym at which I was playing, and I had the kids doing double takes as they walked by me (making sure I wasn’t you). When you enter a Thunder game, my family jokingly refers to you as me. Heck, we even have the same first and last initials (DF). My friends and co-workers find that quite amusing.
Anyway, it has always been a small dream of mine to possibly get the chance to meet you one day. As you were in LA, that would have almost been impossible. But then you came to OKC, and it was a little more probable. The company I work for gets us tickets to the Thunder, and I will be at one of the February games (vs. New York). If at all possible, it would be a great honor to meet you in person, and maybe take a picture with you or get a card autographed.
In any case, thank you again for your contributions to the Thunder team. I’ll be watching all of you in the playoff run this year. Best of luck in your final season. 🙂
So glad I came across your blog! Always loved watching you play, it doesn’t matter what negative comments are thrown at you, keep your head up and know that their are so many more people supporting you.
It’s been fun watching your career. I was actually beginning school at UALR during your senior year (I spent 4 years in the Navy). I remember watching the Trojans and thinking you would be a great player in the NBA. I was there for the sunbelt championship where a layup beat you guys at the buzzer. I bought the NBA package and I don’t know if I missed watching too many of your games in LA from here in the Rock. You are a class act and have been nothing but a positive role model for kids. Your play and your personality is top notch and you will be missed on the court. Thanks.
I was the mascot at UALR and covered you for the UALR Forum back in the day. Have followed your career with excitement since the day you signed with the Lakers. Thanks for the memories.
Derek, I remember that interview when u told the world about your daughter. I was a fan of yours before that but after that interview I kept a closer watch on your career and how she was doing. We love having u n OKC the past year and a half. I wish u all the success in the world and have respected u and your actions your entire career Keep hitting those 3’s but more important the best of luck off the court and whatever u choose to do. May god bless U and your family thank u and thunder up!
Super bummed I didn’t get to go to that game in Utah tonight. But honored to have met you last year when I did. Your a great role model for everyone. And always my all time favorite player.
You are a true champion in every sense of the word…..a first class person and player. Thank you for all the years. I wish you and your family the best in your retirement.
You will certainly be missed playing for Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball Team!!! Thanks for representing Arkansas,by playing for my favorite basketball team OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER!! Good luck in you future endeavors,and continue to represent ARKANSAS,to OKLAHOMA,wherever you go!!
We miss you in the Lakers uniform! I know I will never forget all of the clutch shots. It has been great watching you play and I pray you enjoy this next chapter of your life. Blessings!!
Thanks Fish for always being so inspiring. You’ve been my favorite athlete since I was a little girl. I don’t think I will ever forget the .4 second game winning shot! But what I really love about you is how you handle yourself off the court. Best of luck!
Hi, this is a very refreshing read. All I have read about you in following the Thunder has been from others. Your statement of “Normally, you hear comments from me or other athletes via the media, through the eyes or ears of someone else” could not be truer. Thanks and good luck for your final season.
Well said D! Your character and the man you are continue to amaze me. What a beautiful family you have and I am glad to be a part of it! Love you, Candace, Marshall, Chloe, Tatum, and Drew. Excited to see all the new opportunities God has in store for you.
Fefe
It’s be great having you in oklahoma. You will be missed when you retire. Special blessings to you after basketball.
D Fish you will always and forever be a laker…. Thank you for everything you’ve done and have us as laker fans…. Can’t wait till the jersey retirement ceremony!!!
#theoriginal#2
whichever team you played with in the past and the present, i have always been a fan. i loved you as a laker obviously because i am a laker fan and i missed you when you left. i know i will miss you more when you retire. all the best to you and your family always.
You sir are a remarkable man and it’s been a pleasure watching your performances throughout the years. Thank you!
I agree with the previous comment, you have always been a valuable player, no matter what team you were on you always gave 100%.. I have always been a Derek Fisher fan and will always be, I wish you and your family the best and I am sure you will always give 100% to whatever project comes your way! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you.. Much love and respect D. Fish!!
You are one of my favorite all time favorite players and I’ve been around a long time :-). The very best to you and your family. God bless you all!!
Hey Derek. You did an interview with my wife and I while you were with the Lakers. I was a Youth Pastor in Pomona working with some terrific but disadvantaged teens. I wanted them to see that you could serve Christ and still be a winner. You were so kind to invite us to the practice facility and spend time just sharing from your heart. It made a real difference in a lot of lives. You’d be amazed to hear about some of those kids stories. While we were talking…You talked a lot about growing up in Arkansas. Funny thing…we now live in of all places…Arkansas. Anyway…your kindness meant so much. We now have a son who plays ball and regular speak of you as an example for him to emulate. Just wanted to say thanks. I’d love to get you a copy of the interview we did with you that day…think you’d get a kick out of it. God bless my friend.
Derek, the BIGGEST night for you, without a shadow of a doubt, will be your final game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Everyone in L.A. loves you and considers you a Laker for life. The fans would give you a statue and retire your jersey if we could. Can’t wait to see you and give you the send off you deserve. Hoping your next 20 years will be as great as the last 20. Remember, always a Laker!
Your biggest moments in your career, aside from that night in Utah in 2007, are your ones in the purple and gold. No Laker fan will ever forgot .04 in San Antonio. Unbelieveable.
As another 37 year old who has watched you play your whole career, it’s all been a pleasure. You are most certainly an ambassador of the game and a legend in my house. The icing on the cake has been watching you play in my hometown of OKC! Finish strong, Go Thunder and remember you will always have a ton of fans no matter where you are.
It will be sad to see you go, i have been a huge fan for a LONG time.
I will be at the game in phoenix in march, to see you play one last time…..last game i saw was when you were on the Lakers, in Boston, its hard watching the Lakers without you there :@(
Have a great season and best of luck
Much love D fish♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
We need to give you a special celebration in LA as well. You did a lot for the league, as far as playing to representing the players in the strike. I pray you get in the hall of fame and receive one of the best goodbyes any player has gotten. Congratulations on having a big heart as a a dad and as a player role model.
Mr. Fisher,
I own your jersey. From the lakers. In high school, my (at the time) girlfriend’s mom bought it for me spontaneously.
It was the greatest gift I’ve ever received. For the last six years it has been hanging on my bedroom wall alongside my high school practice jersey. Two number twos.
Though jerseys may change and while time grinds us all down, the important thing is to always show up and be prepared to make an impact.
Your heart is uncontainable. Thank you Derek Fisher
I’ve always admired you as a player and as a person. You have always been my favorite player. I live the way you play defense and your three point daggers! I was so sad to see you leave the Lakersnot once but twice. It doesn’t change the fact that you are my favorite player. I went to see you play against the Lakers as a golden state warrior, a jazz man, and now as part of the thunder. I will truly miss seeing you play!!!! When u hear a crazy woman on the 13th of February cheering for you, wearing your jersey know that that’s me!!! God bless you and your family.
Love your mom bro !! Thanks for coming to support the team when we are in a city near you !! Hawks
Since you left the Lakers, we have had a variety of point guards who are injured after a few weeks at the position. How did you stay healthy for so many games? You were an iron man!
the “fans” that call you a liar or think you’re a traitor aren’t your real fans anyways. your true fans are behind you 100% and know that you put your family before basketball. you’re truly an inspiration and a PHENOMENAL role model. I’ve been a fan for as long as i can remember and i will always be proud to represent such a humble, caring, selfless, and phenomenal guy like you. wish you a 6th championship and nothing but the best. p.s. I’m your #1 fan 🙂
Derek
I am a lifetime Laker fan and you are my all time favorite player, even after your sad departure from the team. My most prized possession is the .4 second autographed lithograph from that historic moment in NBA history. You are my favorite player not just because you represent everything a professional athlete should be. You seem to be a good husband, father, and teammate. I will miss watching you play but am very thankful for all the memories. I never felt you were properly appreciated for the amazing player you are, but I am glad you will be able to retire with your health and spend time with your family. Godspeed.
You are an impeccable example of what a public figure should be- respectfull, intelegent, educated and a respect for God & mankind. I too have known you since the beginning of your pro basketball career.I also remember that Utah interview that prompted prayers from all over the world for you and your family. To a lot of us u will always be a Laker.
All the best as you leave what you love most for something better.