NBA Rumors: Thunder Would Win West with Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher would give Oklahoma City something that is rarely afforded to championship contenders, a veteran presence that can hit the big shot. 

The Lakers needed a shot of youth in the backcourt and sent a leader on and off the court packing. It's a loss that will no doubt make a huge difference down the stretch. 

The Lakers' loss has to be another team's gain. Fisher is simply too valuable during the most important part of the season for him to go unclaimed when he hits the open market on Wednesday. 

ESPN's Marc Stein rumored on early Tuesday that the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder were the front-runners to nab Derek Fisher. 

He writes: 

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The Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the early leaders in the race to sign veteran guard Derek Fisher after he clears waivers Wednesday, according to sources close to the situation.

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However, we know who doesn't have an interest. CBS Sports' Ken Berger reports the Bulls and Celtics are bowing out of the Fisher sweepstakes, and sticking to their stable of guards instead.

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Celtics and Bulls have no interest in Derek Fisher, sources say. Union prez expected to discuss "ideas and concepts" with MIA, OKC and SAS.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) March 20, 2012"

Fisher is not going to continue playing for an also-ran team that doesn't offer him a chance at another title. 

This is a player that has only one more push left in his legs, and it's a push that could be well utilized by a contender. 

You don't sign Fisher for his shooting percentage or ability to defend. Obviously, his deficiencies in those departments made him a luxury the Lakers could no longer afford. 

Make no mistake, though, Lakers fans know that Fisher is indeed a luxury. This is a player that settles the locker room with calm and quality leadership. 

He also gives you a talent that can be as clutch as Robert Horry late in games. 

When the playoffs come, you want to be deep, versatile and prepared. Fisher would give all of that to the Thunder, a team that hardly needs another speedster or sharp shooter. 

What they need is a cagey vet that knows how to get the job done, and that is Derek Fisher. 

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