Derek Fisher Rumors: Power Ranking Landing Spots for Veteran Point Guard

According to Fran Blinebury of NBA.com, the Houston Rockets will buy out Derek Fisher's contract.  

While the veteran is likely to see some time without an NBA home, it's unlikely that he's a free agent for long. The question is, what are Fisher's best landing spots when the time comes for him to return?

I've got the answer right here.

6. Sacramento Kings (14-29)

The Sacramento Kings' point guards have as high a ceiling as any in the NBA, but they're both rookies. If they added Fisher, they would have a low-maintenance veteran point guard to help develop their talent and leadership abilities.

While Isaiah Thomas and Jimmer Fredette have been impressive on their own, the immaturity of the Sacramento Kings cannot be denied. Eight members of their regular rotation are under 25, and that's excluding currently-injured J.J. Hickson.

For Fisher, this would give him the opportunity to become an immediate locker room leader. He would also be able to stay in California.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-25)

Between trading Ramon Sessions and building their team around a rookie point guard, the Cavaliers could certainly use a veteran presence to help smooth it all out.

While Fisher is less likely to make the playoffs with the Cavaliers than some other teams, the opportunity to mentor Kyrie Irving could be enticing. The No. 1 overall pick has already developed into one of the best point guards in the NBA. 

Fisher could play a pivotal role in yet another great player's career. The other, of course, being some guy named Kobe Bryant.

4. Dallas Mavericks (25-20)

While adding another aging guard may not be the answer, there is no denying the Dallas Mavericks need to improve at the point guard position.

Jason Kidd has missed time with injuries and seen a major decline in minutes. Rodrigue Beaubois has impressed, but has also been as inconsistent as anyone on the team's roster. With the addition of Fisher, the weight on both men's shoulders would likely be lifted.

Most important of all, Fisher's acquisition would help Lamar Odom, his former Laker teammate.

3. Miami Heat (31-11)

While the Heat have two talented young point guards in Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole, there is no denying how valuable a veteran presence could be in the Heat's backcourt.

The Heat originally expressed interest in signing Fisher when the Big Three was formed, but Fish ended up re-signing with the Lakers. Nearly two years later, with Fisher available and the Heat struggling to win games, the interest could be sparked again.

For Fisher, this represents a great chance to win another title. After all, Fisher having six rings at season's end and Kobe having five would be some sort of poetic justice, wouldn't it?

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (33-10)

When Eric Maynor went down with a season-ending knee injury, the championship-contending Oklahoma City Thunder lost one of their most important players. They also lost depth at the point guard position.

Enter Derek Fisher.

While Royal Ivey and Reggie Jackson have played admirably, neither have the floor-general presence of Maynor. Fisher, on the other hand, is a proven winner who could drastically improve the Thunder's quality of play at the point behind Russell Westbrook.

1. San Antonio Spurs (28-13)

Between T.J. Ford's retirement and Tony Parker's heavy workload in carrying the Spurs to the Western Conference's second-best record, the acquisition of a backup point guard is a dire need for San Antonio. Fortunately for the Spurs, one of the most intelligent and playoff-proven players in the NBA is now available.

While everyone will remember Fisher's legendary 0.4 second shot that sunk the Spurs, there is no denying how much he can help them.

Fisher has five NBA Championship rings, giving the Spurs yet another player with a championship pedigree. He's also a great leader, positive role model and a quintessential mentor. That's exactly what the Spurs need as they look to help their young pieces become title-ready.