Derek Fisher was an unknown coming into the NBA draft.  Coming out of the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, he averaged 14.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.  That earned him the Sun-Belt Conference Player of the Year as a senior.
From an analytic standpoint, he defies how to be successful in the NBA.
Out of college, he shot no better than 45% from 2-point range, and 38% from NCAA 3-point range. Â Yet, it was Jerry West who took a chance on him.
When he entered the league, he was a back-up point guard. Â Nick Van Exel started ahead of him. Â Kobe Bryant stole the show at the Summer Pro League of 1996. Derek Fisher found his niche playing intense defense at the point guard spot. Â He was scrappy. Â He was quick. Â He was the junkyard dog at a position known for skill, not hustle.
Listen to the boos at his own draft.