If Kobe Bryant is a basketball god, Derek Fisher is a basketball angel. He isn't tall. He isn't fast. And he's not exceptionally athletic. But nonetheless, he possesses a streak of the divine that shines through in big moments, on big stages.
I never thought he'd top the .4 second shot against the Spurs. It didn't propel the Lakers to a championship, but it was still the most amazing game saving shot I've seen. Until Game 4 against the Magic... How many players have the courage to take a game saving 3 after missing their first 5 attempts? Especially after having missed a similar opportunity in the previous series? Then, to hit the dagger in overtime. Unbelievable.
I've said before that you can't under-estimate the importance of Fisher's return to the Lakers. It's only been with Fish at his side that Kobe has become The One True Kobe. He's someone that Kobe respects, that Kobe trusts to shoot when the game's on the line, who has the character to ignore Kobe when he demands the ball to the detriment of the team. My guess is Fish will finish out his contract next year (hopefully earning his 5th ring) and then move to the bench as an assistant.
Derek Fisher won't be voted into the Hall
Of Fame. Nor should he. He's a role player, not a great player. But if ESPN were on the ball, they'd add Fish's game 4 heroics to the animated playoff highlights they show at the start of the broadcast. Fish has earned a spot in the pantheon of great playoff performers.
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