Derek Fisher: Why Mavs' Newest Edition Isn't the Answer

The Dallas Mavericks (7-9) are looking for a pick-me-up and they're hoping it comes in the form of Derek Fisher.

Fisher took to his Twitter account to announce his excitement to his followers: 

"

I am very excited to join the Dallas Mavericks! I believe this team has the potential to contend with the best teams in the league.

— DerekFisher (@derekfisher) November 30, 2012"

Fisher has been a solid point guard in the NBA for years, averaging 8.6 PPG and 3.1 APG to go along with a strong defensive prowess and a big-shot capability.

He was an integral part of five Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championships. He managed the offense and made clutch plays when called upon. 

While this is definitely a good move for Dallas, it won't dig the team out of its hole in the Southwest Division.

The Mavericks rank 22nd in the NBA in rebounding and are allowing more than 101 PPG to opponents, which shows how badly Dirk Nowitzki is missed. Dallas sports a negative point differential and could use Nowitzki and his career 22.9 PPG mark as well.

The Mavs know that Fisher isn't going to make a big impact on the court. They're looking for the 16-year veteran to serve as a tutor for Darren Collison, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Discussing his role on the team, Fisher told MacMahon:

"

There are for sure ways that I can help, there’s things that I can say, there’s things that I’ll do daily that can help Darren. But I’m not here to shadow over him and to be over him. We’re going to be besides each other as we move through this, and as point guards we’re going to be expected to lead this team.

"

Fisher certainly has the right attitude heading into his first stint in Dallas, but what the Mavericks really need is a healthy Nowitzki back on the court. 

Unfortunately for Dallas, the Associated Press (h/t USA Today) reports that Nowitzki is still unable to run or shoot, making his timetable for return unclear.

Again, I'll reiterate: Signing Fisher is a great move—Collison (25 years old) is still young and can soak up a lot of information from the veteran Fisher—but this move is just a small piece to the puzzle for the Mavericks.

The largest piece of the puzzle is still weeks away from seeing the basketball court.

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