Mike Brown Can’t “Possibly” Consider Derek Fisher a Starter
Ever have a trusty pair of kicks that you could sport for any occasion? The type that worked just as well at the bar as they do in church. Yes, I went there and yes I’m comparing Derek Fisher to an old pair of shoes.
This is not meant to disrespect D-Fish. We all know his place in Laker lore is forever reserved. Retiring #2 could be a real possibility in the distant future.
What should not be at all possible is for Fish to have chance at starting for the Lake Show this season. However that is exactly what Mike Brown told the OC Register. Mind you, Brown did say it is only “possible” and did not give a definite commitment.
No matter what there is not a LeBron’s chance in the 4th that the Lakers can have any realistic title hopes with Fisher getting more than 25 minutes of burn a night any longer.
Much like those trusty old kicks that one day just fall apart, Fisher’s athletic career is starting to fray.
Perhaps Coach Brown is just playing the game of showing respect to a veteran leader like Fisher. Can’t hate on his approach. After all, Brown is already in a tough spot considering the circumstances of his hiring. The last thing he needs is to disrespect a valued locker room asset before his first practice as a head coach in Los Angeles.
That is fine for the public perception. Privately I’m hoping Brown is going in a much difference direction.
But therein lies the real problem. Where else does Brown have to turn?
Steve Blake was pretty much a bust during his first go-round as a Laker. Shannon Brown was only able to play point thanks to the principles of the triangle offense. With both Brown and the triangle gone that is all a moot point. Rookie Darius Morris is getting some premature love having proven nothing as a pro.
So where does Coach Brown go to get help at the point?
Well, the simple answer is straight to the office of Mitch Kupchak. Somehow GM Mitch has got to pull another Jerry West-esque move and make some magic happen in order to upgrade the point guard position. Seeing J.J. Barea look like Kevin Johnson in the playoffs was the final straw. Fisher is still important to the championship chase but more so in a leadership role than a contributing player. As stated months ago it is time for Fish to take on a reduced role.
Of course I know I’ll be singing a different tune come June when Derek does what he does best. Namely, make guys like me eat my words when he buries a dagger in the heart of some unsuspecting opponent during crunch time.
As much as I’d love to eat my words…yet again…I’m realistically looking at the fact that you have to get to the Finals first. Last season showed how many shortcoming the Lakers had and that was exposed by New Orleans in round one.
I love Fisher and can appreciate Brown’s delicate handling of the matter. However the reality is that the time has come to turn the page. Another D-Fish defensive debacle will doom this shortened season much earlier than the playoffs.