We wrapped up one of our longest homestands of the season last night and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the fans of Oklahoma City for all the support you have given me in my time here, and have given this team over these last few years.
I was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, so for me, playing in Oklahoma City has been sort of like coming home. Just in terms of the size and pace of the city, and the way people carry themselves, it reminds me a lot of Little Rock.
When I’m out going about my day and doing things, people will say hello, pay their respects and what not, but it’s nothing over the top. There’s not always that feeling of being a celebrity here.
The relationship between the team and the community here in Oklahoma City is pretty unique in that way. The Thunder organization has made a genuine commitment to the community, and the people of the city really have a different connection to the team.
They love the Thunder and have a lot of respect for what we do. There’s never been a feeling that we’re just a bunch of professional athletes who happen to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The fans see each player as another hard-working guy who happens to have a job where they get to see him do it on TV sometimes. We’re not viewed any differently than any other person.
The way people feel about and support the team, it’s as though you’re a part of their family. So no matter what is going on, they’re going to look out for you. They don’t have any desire or willingness to hurt you, or do anything to take something away from you. They want the best for you. You can feel that when you interact with the people, and that makes for an enjoyable experience.
I think that’s a characteristic of this part of the country. I get that type of feeling in Little Rock as well. Even when I go home, I’m not treated as a celebrity, and honestly it’s something that’s kind of refreshing. It allows you to just be yourself.
FACE OF OKLAHOMA CITY
It makes it a lot easier for the people of the city to buy into and support the organization the way that they do when the organization is represented by a guy like Kevin Durant.
I know the NBA has the lottery, and Kevin was the second pick. But it’s literally a lottery ticket to have a player like Kevin Durant be drafted by this organization, and for him to have the impact on the team and the city that he does.
Kevin is a really solid human being, a high character individual with a very welcoming personality and demeanor. The way he carries himself and makes himself accessible to other people when he’s out in public factors into the way people view him, and how they view our team. It’s very rare to have the combination of his abilities and personality. He’s the right type of superstar for this team. He’s accessible, and in this region, where people have certain belief systems and carry themselves in an old-fashioned, hard-working way, that’s important.
He just opened a restaurant not too long ago, and you can see it in the respect he shows for people, regardless of who they are, where they work, what color they are. Those things make the relationship between Kevin, the team, and the city a unique one.
The fact that we’re the only major pro sports team in town may have something to do with that. But I also think that’s just the way it is here. Watching OU football or Oklahoma State and some of the other universities, they get similar support from their fans.
We’re always grateful and thankful for the support we get. I don’t think we could ask for anything more than that. I want the fans to know that we’re going to do whatever we can to continue to give you the motivation to come out and support us, and we’re glad you’re along for the ride.
Derek,
It has been such a pleasure watching you play for our Thunder team! Your experience has been invaluable to this young team. The leadership you display is unselfish and I believe you have helped pull this team together.
I, like many other Thunder fans, are going to miss you next year! You have become my favorite player! Thanks so much….
Good luck in whatever you choose to do in the future. I think the Thunder organization should hire you!!!
Fisher is so much fun to watch, so animated, so full of energy, so physically tough. If he really retires hope Thunder can find a job for him with the team, he brings so much!
Fish, your are my favorite player, I proudly flash my Number 6 T-shirt, sure hope you find away to stay in OKC, your are truly one of the good things about OKC.
You are my favourite player, the reason why I started being a fan of OKC was because of you. I must say, it’s amazing how professional and humble these blogs are. You are an awesome role model.
Love your spirit and demeanor. Always a team player. Great attitude. Using your God given talent well
Thank you for playing in OKC. I’m one of those “Super fans” followed this team since 2008. My nieces played basketball and have always love the fast paced sport. When I moved to OKC a few years back I would practice at home with my nieces they were impressed with my shot. I laughed when the oldest niece after hitting a few 3 pointers on them they said wow “Bubba can Hoop” Great times glad I got those cherished times to spend with my nieces. They are now grown but I still sometimes during the Holiday at their parents house if it’s a nice Oklahoma afternoon shoot some hoops. It’s rare now they are older with more responsibilities and goals. But it is nice having that time with them. The sport of Basketball is truly a universal sport everyone of any age can enjoy if its just playing a simple playground game of Horse to having that one on one. It’s a game of enjoyment.
Being a super fan I enjoy watching the Thunder like any team you feel what the players are going through from the celebrations of the wins and are heartbroken at their losses. You bite your nails during the close games and have fun with the blowout games watching the bench players who get their chance to shine. You critique the coach during the game like you been coaching the game all your life. When you know darn well your not the guy down their on the court making the decisions but feel you should be standing in that position.
People become who they are from the support and love they get from the others around them. Especially Players the superstars, the mediocre who support those stand out players on the team. Then you have Veterans like yourself that help mold those players into something better then they could have ever imagined. I’m glad you chose OKC the past couple of years. I feel with your presence has impacted the team and especially your fans. I’m Glad you chose to finish your career in Oklahoma. I’m sure there are many many Thunder fans and fans of yours around the world that are happy that your playing with the team being that on court presence training and educating and making a positive impact on the players of this young team.
What a sweet ride it’s been. You were always my favorite player at the lakeshow. It’s been a blessing having you here playing for our city. You know you have two more years that you wanna play. Just change your jersey to the number 8. We love ya’ Fish.
You are a class act Mr Fisher. I am so glad that you are back with the Thunder!
We live 150 miles away from OKC in Alva, OK. But we are just as ardent fans as anyone. We’ve been privileged to watch three or four games in the Peake and we never miss them on tv. What I appreciate most about the entire team is the feeling that you all actually like being here. The things you do for the community makes me proud. Thank you for being good examples for our younger people looking for role models. While we know you are “stars,” we feel like you’re also family.
Derek,
It is joy to watch you play. You are a great asset to the Thunder. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for staying in OKC. You have been a great example of what a professional athlete should be. You lead by example and show the younger players how to carry themselves. Hope when your playing days are over you consider staying in Oklahoma City. You would be a great coach, which I’m sure you have already heard. Thanks again for all you have done for us.
It has been a real joy having you here in OKC. I tell my 7 year old boy everytime you come on the court, “here come fish to sink some threes”. It’s always a pleasure watching my son’s face light up when you come in and have a great game. He loves watching you play. I hope this isn’t your last year as all the fans have been told. It would be a great loss.
Thanks Fish!!!!,
Diverse
FISH!!! What do I say but THANK YOU……love watching you play. You had me from the word go. I just respect how hard you hustle, not matter if we are winning or losing. I love how you get in the faces of the bigger guys. I love the intensity and leadership you show. I can see the love of the game in your eyes and the way you play. Hope you know how much respect everyone has for you. Your a winner and will always be remembered by us Thunder fans. I hate to see you leave but all good things must come to an end and Im glad that end is with OKC. Best wishes you to and your family. You will be missed greatly!!
ONE MORE YEAR .. ONE MORE YEAR .. ONE MORE YEAR
DITTO, DITTO, DITTO
Welcome “home” to OKC any time! You have been nothing but an exemplary team member, community member, and consummate professional. Thank you, Derek!
Derek I respect you a ton and wish I had seen you play longer. I’m one of your biggest fans and so are my three boys Derek (7), Dax (4), and Reid (2). They always ask about about KD and Derek Fisher. It’s going to be hard to explain to them that you are no longer playing. What I like about OKC Thunder is that you share the ball and you give the glory to God. You don’t call yourselves kings, you call yourselves servants. Your humble, kind, and you give back to the community. I wish so badly that my family could just say thank you and your mother’s because they raised you ALL well.You are special to our state, each and every one of you. Thank you for writing this article.
Respectfully,
The Landing Family
Wow! What nice complements Fish! YOU, complement the team so well. Total class act! I live in PA, but thanks to my nephew, I LOVE the Thunder! We even had tickets to come to the finals last season. Unfortunately, it never came back to OKC. This year!
Awesome read Fish! OKC resident for 23 years and transplant from Cali. That is so true about the people here. Been a fan of yours since u were in LA and since day 1 been SO glad to have u with Thunder. I know all Thunder fans are ready to cheer you guys all the way to be NBA champs. Thunder Up!!!!
This was such a nice article to read and an example why we love our Thunder so much! (not that I speak for everyone) You guys are truly a compliment to our state and I have so much respect for they way you treat your fans. Much love!♡♥
Thank you for all you do. You are a great example for ALL OF US!!!!
You are a class act and I thoroughly enjoy watching you play, your hustle on the court is amazing. I wish I had been an NBA fan before the Thunder came to our city, because watching you play for a few seasons is definitely not enough!
Good luck to you and your family in your future and I hope you change your mind about retiring.
Well written, Derek. You are a respected man here in OKC.
First off, HOLY COW! there is a hand coming out of that kids mouth in the picture. Second off, I am so glad Derek Fisher came to OKC. What a stand up guy, and this article really explains how everyone feels here.This team brought something for the people of the state to unite and cheer over. We are proud of our Thunder Boys. It is a nice break from our intense in-state OU/OSU rivalry.
I am very proud that Thunder is a part of our Oklahoma City family. They bring great pride to our state.
We will certainly miss you, Derek. You have been a great asset to our team.
A “Fish” fan.
I have the ONE and Only Shirt since Mothers Day of 2013 that says “Fishy Fish” I loved you when…LOL
Who said it was his last season??? Don’t leave us Fish!!! Not until you make that #6 u wear on your jersey a reality. Maybe that time is now. Maybe not, but regardless we love you here and I know those boys in the locker room wanna see u go out on top just as much as us fans do. But just know we’ll be standing beside all of you either way. Thunder up!!!
Well said Derek, luv u 4rm Lakers, I think u a very unique individual, & talking abt Kevin luv watching hm luv OKC, hoping dry win d championship dis yr & Kevin MV
Big Thunder fan..Never made it to a game. I think a hard worker is a hard worker and deserves respect and privacy no matter what the chosen profession may be. Thanks
Wtf is Johnny Hung smoking? Do you know what the cap means fool? Im an OU grad and longtime OKC resident and I can say that Fish is the epitome of a man!!!!
Perfect DFish!!! Perfect!!!!
“Coach Fisher” has a really nice ring to it. I hope your last game is not your final goodbye to OKC. Take care, Derek!
Awesome blog post, Fisher! Very well said. Keep up the good work on the court!
Really appreciate your well worded comments Derek. You and the Thunder very well represent
the humble and hard working people of Oklahoma. It is the people who make it a joy to live here and you and the team are a perfect fit. Time to win it all!
Derek, I watch every Thunder game on DirecTV…and see you guys in Boston, Brooklyn, and MSG… you will be missed. OKC loves you… you’ve been the ultimate “team” player!
Derrick,
I just found this blog via Reddit, and wanted to comment hoping you might read this. As a born and raised Okie and basketball fan, I have always admired the game of basketball. The finesse, strength, and mental fortitude required has always fascinated me. Growing up I have never had a clear cut favorite team (the pistons are probably the closest to one) but have always been a fan of individual players. Due to tragedy though, I was finally able to watch a game live and cheer for the (temporary) home team OkcNO hornets. Itwas a blessing to have an opportunity to watch the hornets play, but left me wanting more. We know what happens next, and I have never seen this city/state come together quite like this and not because of terrorism and the destruction from tornados. we were no longer a state divided by college football (as much, go Sooners) but able to connect with basketball. I loved every minute of living in this state with an amazing organization with the thunder. Finally you signed with the thunder. I was a big fan of everyone on this team, but I finally got to cheer for a player I have admired for years. I can still hardly believe I get the privilege to watch you pay for the Oklahoma city thunder. So this massive wall of text (not sure how long, doing this all on mobile while riding to work) was to give a genuine thank you for playing this game for so long and helping the thunder ob the long road to the NBA title. Good luck, and I’ll be watching you tonightversus the sins. Thanks Derek Fisher and thanks for all the fish.
I know everyone claims to be your biggest fan and I must admit I am one of them. What the Thunder go kut and do every game amazrs me. U impress me as a leader and a motivator and as an individual. KD blows my mind. I have to admit I refer to him as my son in the west. So young but so OUTSTANDING!!!! I am from NJ born & raised but OKC IS MY TEAM. KEEP GRINDING N BRING MAMA HOME THAT RING THIS TIME! LOVE YOU D FISH ♥
Please just give us one more year. We love our Okc ThunderTeam. You are a big part of our team. We have never missed a game on T.V. We would love to attend the games but health reasons we can’t attend but we are loyal to watch every game. You are a awesome team member and a Wonderful Man. WE love You. At least stay in OKC be a coach. Good luck what ever you do. My 8 year old Granddaughter loves you to.She watches the games with us she knows all the team numbers and names.
Derek, please know I’m crying tears of Joy! The good Lord sent us this humbling Angel of a man to walk his walk and teach our boy’s humility with Class! When I saw you first being asked to come home to OKC from where you were I was dancing like heaven was now missing an Angel! God Bless you my Brother from another Mother and know OKC always considers you FAMILIA- Please any chance you get you know ARK and OK are neighbors and your always welcome!!! My 80+Mom sends her love and says “Thank You Sir, Job Well Done” And if you ever come to the VA Hospital to visit the veterans there please stop by the Volunteer Office and say hi to Mary Jane, she’s been a Volunteer for almost 20 year’s, she said she’s waiting for a day hopefully before God calls her home to see the “Thunder Team” come visit she is a true die hard fan! God Bless You and Yours! The Davis Family
Derrick you the man and OkC loves u and will support u Always!God Bless!
You have been a true blessing to us!
I am a HUGE fan of the Thunder all the way from Australia via OKC parents-in-law who are massive fans themselves and who ironically moved recently to LR AR…Love the demeanour of the team, love to watch them play and love it when Fish comes off the bench to spark a run of 3 pointers (sadly travelled all the way from Sydney to watch game 2 of the Finals but still great to experience the atmosphere in person) and quite literally the first thing and last thing I do each day is check what the latest Thunder news is – except on those game days when I am not able to see the game on NBA League Pass, in which case I live in a torturous NBA game day bubble until I can see it. Surprisingly easy to dodge NBA news Down Under. But worse, surprising how few people have even HEARD of the Thunder, much less support them. Thanks Fish – but I for one am not convinced you’re not going to doggedly pursue that final ring until the Thunder gets its first……
Derek, you are amazing!! My son and I love watching you and the others play. You and KD are our favorites, but we love you all!!! I coach a 7th grade girls basketball team at my school and I m lays telling them to up arc on the ball like Derek Fisher. Would be great if you could come next year to how thm in person. 🙂
I hope you are with OKC for many more yers to come…playing and coaching. Thank you for all you me th Thunder players have done for our community and for being FANTASTIC role models for our kids! Like many others have said, you all are wonderful and so down the earth and just absolutely amazing!! Thank you!!!
Thank you for being a member of the Thunder. Your presence on the court and off has raised our city to a level I never dreamed. When I watch you play, and realize that I am seeing a five time Champion it just sends chills down my spine. You are gracious and so kind of say the things you did about our City and our fans. Trust me the feeling is mutual. Thank you again, and although I hope you will stay one more year, I know your family has probably been waiting a long time to have you with them on a regular basis. Enjoy and God bless you Derek Fisher!!!!
Whether you read this or not, I want you to know that I love being a thunder fan. Even through the losses-I continue loving all of you!! You are definitely top 2 favorite player on the team (only behind Westbrook-sorry…he has my heart!!
Not to be cliche , class act all the way around. Derek these people have described you in every way possible definately a role model. Thank you for what you do on and off the court . God Bless you and I know you will be successful at everything you put your hands on.
Derrick
We want you to STAY ONE MORE YEAR!!!!!
Derek- YOU are the MAN ! We have been to several games ( not as many as we’d like) but the Thunder Organization is incredible. Growing up in Oklahoma and thriving on OU football; you have become “our” team. The unbelievable fusion of energy and hope you have inspired in OKC is fantastic. Keep up the fantastic job of inspiring our youth to reach their potential and know that their dreams are achievable. We love you , the THUNDER and hope to see you for many more years!!!
We are so grateful for the time you have been here. I’m so glad for the opportunity to watch you play in person a few weeks ago. I was so excited when I found out you were coming to the thunder, and like your other fans I would love to see you back as a coach after you retire. I think you bring alot of experience to the table.
Thank you for all your contributions to OKC, Derek. I am looking forward to seeing OKC play in the championship. But no matter what happens, I am a thunder fan all the way. Seeing what you have written made me appreciate you more as a player and a person. Thanks for choosing to play for the Thunder. Wishing you all the luck in whatever path you will decide to take in the years coming.