NBA Lockout: Why Derek Fisher is the Best Man for the Job

Nearly 80 days into this NBA lockout, we have seen little progress from league owners, NBA commissioner David Stern, NBPA executive director Billy Hunter and NBPA president Derek Fisher.

It might not be an easy road, but if anyone can bring us an NBA season next year, it's Fisher.

Fret not, basketball fans—the right man is on the case.

Let's take a look at why Lakers statesman Derek Fisher is the best man for the job.

Character and Integrity

Derek Fisher wrote the book on character.

Literally.

In his book Character Driven, Fish discusses the strong values and core ethics that have propelled him to success on and off the court. 

As a reverent Magic Johnson noted in the foreword to this tome:

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"The league, and the world at large, could use more people like Derek Fisher in it."

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Lofty praise from one of the greatest stewards of the game.

Photo credit: mediabistro.com

He's Clutch

To say Fish is clutch is to understate the obvious.

Whether it is the 0.4-second shot (pictured), the 2009 NBA Finals Game 4 overtime thriller or his unbelievable fourth-quarter performance in the 2010 NBA Finals must-win Game 3, Derek gets the job done in crunch time.

Consider this archive a mere starting point into the clutchness of D-Fish.

In the high-stakes game of billion-dollar labor negotiations, players need a leader with the tenacity and ability to get the job done under pressure. Fish has shown he can do just that.

Great Speaker

Eloquent and extremely thoughtful, Fish is a great orator.

Whether it's rallying his team at critical points in the game or serving as team/league ambassador, Fish is very powerful and persuasive with his words.

Postgame interviews turn into fireside chats when Fish has the floor.

Always the statesman, Derek speaks from a place of reason, passion and integrity.

It should be no surprise—Fish was a Communications major in college.

Natural Leader

Derek Fisher is a true leader.

We have watched Fish lead for 15 years but all it takes is one look at his demeanor, composure and strong values to know that this man possesses all the qualities of a great leader.

In fact, Fisher seemed destined for leadership.

When asked why he chose to accept his role as president of the NBPA, Fish responded: 

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"I have always chosen to take a leadership role in all aspects of my life."

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Fish carries himself in a way that both players and owners can appreciate.

He's Been the Underdog His Whole Career

The little man from Little Rock has always been the underdog—a role Fish has embraced.

Ranked the ninth-best point guard in the 1996 NBA draft class, below such household names as Reggie Geary, Doron Sheffer and Moochie Norris, Fisher was selected 24th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Fish was overshadowed by more popular point guards in the draft such as Allen Iverson and Steve Nash and was slated to be a late second-round pick, barely making an NBA roster.

The odds are certainly stacked against a new labor deal—the ideal context for an underdog to emerge victorious.

He's Well Respected by Players and Owners

Given his qualities and his body of work in the NBA, Derek Fisher is well respected by players and owners. 

Fish can use this favor to bring both sides closer together in a constructive manner.

In these labor negotiations, Derek has shown that he strongly supports player initiatives but also understands and recognizes the financial matters facing the league and its owners.

It's quite difficult to agree to terms with someone who lacks your respect. Fisher's high regard could be the most crucial element in establishing a new labor deal.

So What Is the Probability of a New Deal?

Thus far, little progress has been made.

However, there are positive signs that serious negotiations may start to take place. Most notably, both sides are unified in their support despite reports of fracturing within the two parties.

This is the first step to getting a seat at the table. Now that we're here, let the fun begin.

There may be twists, turns, ups and downs on our way to a new accord, but I'm confident leaders like Derek Fisher can bridge the ideological differences between the players and owners to arrive at a compromise.

Clutch shots have been an enduring part of Derek's 15-year career. In this lockout, the right man is in place to perhaps make the most clutch shot of all.