Derek Fisher didn’t get off to a great start in handling his duties as the union president during the current lockout. His decision to take a family vacation during the initial negotiations didn’t sit too well with many. Granted the vacation was previously planned out. But then that only raised the question as to whether or bot Fish was planning on not being in the Finals this year. That’s an entirely different topic.
On the matter as to whether or not one of the game’s most respected players is taking his duties seriously Fisher is making it clear what his priorities are.
D-Fish was supposed to be participating in the Impact League in Las Vegas. However given the dire situation of the lockout paired with the reality of a season hanging in the balance, Fisher is putting any plans that might interfere on hold. He didn’t mince words with the following Tweet yesterday.
"My first priority is serving as President of the NBPA. Everything else comes as a far second right now."
Fisher’s decision to pull out of the league indicates not only his dedication to the job but also shows the urgency with which both sides are moving. After doing seemingly nothing in the early stages of the work stoppage both the union and the owners are finally getting down to business. Hopefully it’s not too late to salvage the season.
There are widespread rumors of progress being made but that’s something you won’t hear Fisher comment on. He had to set the record straight on the rumblings of his supposed texting on the supposed progress. The last thing Fisher wants is to draw a $100,000 fine like the one handed down to Michael Jordan.
Overall the players are in good hands with Fisher. His track record as a player more than speaks for the approach he’s surely taken as the players’ representative. Still he is but one man. In order to get this lockout lifted it’s going to take the collective efforts of many. But if there’s one guy in all of basketball who can get differing sides together for a common cause its Fish. Kobe and Shaq can attest to that.