The collateral damage caused by the NBA lockout is already being felt throughout the league. Coaches are struggling with getting their teams prepared to play in a shortened preseason. Conditioning concerns are not limited to players that took it a little too easy during the extended offseason. Just ask Derek Fisher about that.
Due to Fisher’s heavy involvement in the lockout negotiations his ability to remain in game shape was severely hindered. As a result Mike Brown held D-Fish out of the Lakers’ first preseason game.
Unless Fisher tells Brown otherwise he’s likely to see his first and only action of the preseason.
Coach Brown wants to ensure his coach on the court isn’t being rushed into action. While the Lakers are still lacking legitimate quality at the point guard spot the leadership of Fisher is an intangible that cannot be replaced. Having been there and done that, Fish will prove vital in helping Coach Brown to implement his new system.
Naturally the concern has got to be how durable the Lakers and Fisher will be this year. Injuries will be a major factor for all teams this season. The NBA squad with good depth should be able to weather the storm of a hectic season. Teams that are lacking in depth (cough…Lakers…cough) could be in for an uphill battle.