NBA Lockout: 15 People We'd Rather See Negotiating Than Derek Fisher

According to SlamOnline.com, Derek Fisher, the NBA Players Association president, is not making many friends in his pursuit to arrive at a solution that would end the NBA lockout.

One player in particular—Jerry Stackhouse—has lashed out at the point guard's efforts, noting the five-time NBA champion is not qualified to negotiate his own contract, let alone one (the collective bargaining agreement) that impacts the entire league.

Simply put, Stackhouse, who may be speaking for many of his cohorts, is not comfortable leaving his destiny in the hands of someone (Fisher) who may have ulterior aspirations.

The North Carolina alumnus hopes it isn't the case, but leaves the possibility open of Fisher—who might have his sights set on being a GM one day—secretly meeting with David Stern and the owners to engineer a deal. Make no mistake about it: Regardless of his intentions, it would do wonders for a white-collared career beyond the Lakers.

Hypotheticals aside, Jerry Stackhouse just doesn't think the Arkansas native has what it takes to go toe- to-toe with the tycoon David Stern. No disrespect to Derek Fisher, but how can he serve the players' interests when he has so much trouble negotiating a layup through the hoop?

Let's look at 15 guys who might do a better job in Derek Fisher's position...

Pau Gasol

Derek Fisher might not even be the most qualified person on his L.A. Lakers team to represent the players.

For those expecting Kobe Bryant as a possible option, forget it.

According to a strong rumor, Kobe, along with his backcourt pal, is in favor of a 50-50 revenue split between the players and the owners. Obviously, that doesn't bode well for the players, who will be forced to concede seven percent—which amounts to billions—if the supposed proposal comes to fruition.

There is another savvy superstar on the Lakers, though, whose name is Pau Gasol. Most people don't know this, but he was pursuing a medical degree before being lured by the NBA. As one of the most soft-spoken, analytical and intelligent players in the league, he would be able to represent his comrades without letting his emotions intervene.

Magic Johnson

He may not be a current player, but former Laker great Magic Johnson has the business acumen to get a deal done.

Following his retirement, Johnson ventured into the business world, where he became hugely successful as a property owner, among many other things. For instance, the "Magic Johnson Theatres" disseminated throughout the Los Angeles area is a testament to his skills outside of the court.

Magic, who is one of the most likable personalities in the history of the game, would be able to reach common ground with the stubborn Stern.

Unlike Fisher, the leader of "Showtime" has an extensive business resume to negotiate a happy medium for both sides.

Phil Jackson

The just recently retired Phil Jackson, who has more rings than he has fingers, is an even-keel personality who always sided with his players no matter what.

Comments alluding to league corruption—in reference to the free-throw discrepancy in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals, for instance—may have angered David Stern, but endeared him to players.

His ability to always remain in a Zen-like state, observing objectively while in the thick of things or from afar, makes the 11-time NBA Champion a prime candidate to negotiate with the league brass.

In addition, Jackson's most useful tactic, which most do not possess, is his masterful touch with the media as in knowing when to leverage his cause with precise timing.

Such battles like the NBA lockout can be won or lost in the media.

Jerry West

The Lakers parade of past or present personnel, who may be more qualified than Derek Fisher, continues.

Jerry West, arguably the wisest of wise men and the best basketball GM who ever lived, might be able to invoke the same negotiating skills that brought Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to the Lakers in the same summer.

He can be equally polite and cunning, always one step ahead of his opponent. By the same token, he commands a level of respect that surpasses nearly everyone who has ever been associated with the league.

Now an advisor to the Golden State Warriors, a challenge like ending the league lockout looms temptingly large for the NBA logo, who has existed on both sides of the NBA plane—as a player and as a representative of the owners (i.e., Dr. Jerry Buss).

Jerry Stackhouse

Jerry Stackhouse's courage for coming forward—in addition to his incisively profound comments—identifies him as someone who sees the big picture.

Truthfully, Derek Fisher is not qualified to represent the players. Actions speak louder than words, and sometimes, the way a competitor conducts himself on the court says it all.

Derek Fisher is a player who blatantly and irrationally assaulted Luis Scola in Game 2 of the 2009 semifinals, resulting in a suspension in the next game. More importantly, he has been unwilling to play within his strengths as a player, incessantly making the same mistakes over and over again. For instance, any attempt by the point guard to "create" or attempt a layup in the lane almost always ends in a turnover.

If a player shows such limited growth on the court, how can he be expected to represent hundreds?

Jerry Stackhouse, who has always adapted over the years despite his physical deterioration, demonstrates a shrewdness that eludes Fisher.

Larry Bird

Now the Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations, the Celtic legend Larry Bird knows a little thing or two about serving in the capacity as a "president."

Specifically, his years of experience as an all-time great player and NBA executive allow him to see the motivations and posturing on both the players' and owners' sides.

Certainly, he is also a venerable figure who cannot be trifled with or ignored. His love for basketball is indisputable, rising above any hidden intentions, especially at this stage of his career.

Tim Duncan

Of the active players today, there aren't too many who have earned the veneration of their peers. Tim Duncan has done so quietly, calmly and without making a ruckus about it.

A mastermind on the court, the reputable No. 21 has carved out a legacy by treating basketball as a chess match. He doesn't lose his cool, his state of peacefulness or for that matter, transform into a dervish of uncontrollable rage.

In other words, his ability to keep his ego and emotions in check—in spite of his successes and the standards he's set for himself—make him a prudent choice to hash out the dilemma tugging at the necks of everyone who has been accustomed to receiving a paycheck from the NBA.

Bill Russell

Often regarded as the greatest NBA player who ever lived, Bill Russell has become the league's voice of reason. He engages current players, gives them advice and acts as a proud ambassador of the game.

He is a model of excellence, humility and sagacity.

In some ways, Russell is the godfather of the NBA, who exists as a vestige of the 1960's—an era that catalyzed a subsequent league-wide growth spurt that continues to this day. His dominance as a prized individual on a collective team paved the way for the recognition of talent who played after him. Consequently, the attention given to individuals over their respective teams has now defined the sport.

Without Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, the individuals of today, like Joe Johnson and Baron Davis, wouldn't have the marketability to haggle over exorbitant contracts or ask for a majority of the revenue pot.

Charles Barkley

Don't laugh, sometimes it helps in cases like these to be completely and utterly outspoken.

Charles Barkley is the quintessence of one who says what is on his mind, never afraid to lay down the truth on his line of the sand.

As forthright as he is, an intriguing quality of his is that, despite some of the outlandish things he says or claims, his musings fall short of the threshold of offending anyone. And if he does, he will happily apologize.

His charisma and charm have extended his visibility in the public eye for over a decade since his playing days ended.

Also, anyone who has ever watched Inside the NBA will attest to the fact that "Sir Charles" not only tells it like he sees it, he will offer his fair and balanced view even if it isn't the popular position to take.

The pull of Charles Barkley's charisma might just be enough to entrance David Stern and his cronies.

Ray Allen

Ray Allen is one of the most mature players in the league, and a lot of it has to do with his social skills.

Once in the bad graces of Kobe Bryant, Allen took it upon himself to repair and renew their relationship. It takes a gentle and down-to-earth man to gain the favor of one (Bryant) whose obstinacy knows no bounds.

Additionally, if there is a heated argument on the Celtics bench, or if Kevin Garnett is about to blow a gasket, it is usually the all-time three-point shooter who comes to the rescue, encouraging cooler heads to prevail.

Allen is the consummate peacemaker, intrinsically drawn to reconciling confrontations.

Right now, Allen could talk some sense to the players and owners in order to arrive at a favorable resolution for both sides.

Gregg Popovich

Besides Phil Jackson, who is now lounging in his Montana-based cabin, Gregg Popovich has the credentials to represent the players.

He led the mechanical Spurs to four NBA championships with a leadership style that ran counter to his contemporaries, including Jackson.

Popovich pushes his players, and they love him for it. He is fearless in getting in the faces of his subordinates in order to put them and their egos in check.

He does it not because he wants to undermine them, but to make them better warriors on the wood.

He lives and dies with his players, fueled by a passion unlike any other.

Popovich would deal with the NBA corporate heads in a direct and effective manner.

Grant Hill

It doesn't take test results to determine Grant Hill is one of the most intelligent players in all of basketball. He conducts himself as the consummate professional, respectful to his teammates, coaches, opposing players and referees.

Almost having to capitulate his pro career to an ankle ailment that plagued him for nearly four years, the "Dukie" has recovered with a newfound perspective that speaks to how lucky he is to play the game he loves.

This panoramic view of the light and dark, the good and the bad as an NBA player—which Hill has personally lived through—is one that strikes at the core of the argument.

The NBA has forgotten its sports roots and become a corporate bastion. Someone like Hill, who sees the game for what it is—a privilege—would not let the league go to waste.

Steve Nash

The NBA may stand for the National Basketball Association, but the arbitrator in this case may have to be a Canadian.

Steve Nash, like his teammate Grant Hill, is a model representative of the sport. He is an individual winner (two-time NBA MVP), a sure-fire Hall of Famer and possesses a level of articulation and intuition that stands out among his peers.

As much of a superstar Nash is, he is loyal to his team beyond all else. To offer proof, look no further than his completely selfless style of play as the ideal point-guard. He is also aware of player goals and how they relate to ownership projections. Nash's superior understanding has been corroborated in TV interviews with former Suns GM Steve Kerr, who has referred to the Suns team captain as an equal.

The six-footer is the ultimate leader on the court, unlike Derek Fisher. Who's to say he can't extend it to the realm of negotiating a collective bargaining contract?

Shane Battier

Like fellow Duke alumnus Grant Hill, Shane Battier offers an Ivy League vision that transcends that of most.

If Steve Nash is the ultimate leader on the court, Battier is the epitome of what it means to be a leader off of it.

On the Grizzlies, and before that, the Rockets, Battier exists as a quasi player/coach in some ways. He leads by example as the highest-caliber role player and dispenses appropriate pointers to his teammates when they make their way to the bench. Without him, the Grizzlies would've been hard pressed to advance as far as they did in the 2011 playoffs.

Because of this reason and many others, coaches love him, and his teammates look up to him.

When posed questions in interviews, his complex answers reveals a man who is thorough, analytical and above all else, rational.

Rationality always wins out, especially when there is money to be divided up.

The Wild Card: Mark Cuban

An owner representing the players?

Unthinkable, right?

Perhaps not.

Mark Cuban is the NBA's rogue owner.

He might sign the checks, but he represents his Dallas Mavericks—and their interests—even in the face of the NBA's politics.

David Stern has slapped Cuban with so many fines for speaking out "against" the NBA that, if not for his billions, the young owner would've been pushed out long ago.

Yet, here we are now: Cuban has been vindicated as an NBA champion, having amassed more power than ever to not only take Stern's warnings in stride, but battle them head-on.

One look at Cuban's blog divulges ironically warped views that oppose mass culture and convention. He is dangerous because he's not afraid to think or be outside of the box. For example, his aim for owning the Mavericks wasn't financially-driven, but a way to satiate and nurture his love for basketball and those who play it.

His loyalty to his players is unmatched, as he will go to the ends of the Earth for them.

That makes him the owners' worst nightmare and the players' best friend.