3 Best Free Agent Signings in OKC Thunder history
By Rylan Stiles
The OKC Thunder picked up a Champion, Derek Fisher, to try to push the young core over the edge.
In 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder inked Derek Fisher to a one-year, 1.39 million dollar deal, a buyout signing that was another step in legitimizing the organization. He provided valuable minutes, leadership, and pedigree, to a young OKC Thunder roster that was ready to make some noise.
Fisher eventually spent three seasons in Oklahoma City, tallying 125 games with the Thunder on his way to 17 minutes, five points, a rebound, an assist, and nearly a steal per contest. During his time in Bricktown, the former Laker turned in 37 percent from the floor and beyond the arc.
In the 2012 playoffs, en route to an NBA Finals appearance, Derek Fisher appeared in 20 games, 22 minutes per game, averaging six points, a rebound, an assist, and a steal per contest. During that span, Fisher shot 37 percent from beyond the arc on two attempts per game.
His best game came in a six-point win against the reigning Champion Dallas Mavericks, putting up 12 points, three rebounds, an assist, and a block while going 2-for-2 from three-point land in 29 minutes of action.
Derek Fisher seemed to steady the waters for a young team, a relatively young coaching staff, and a core on the cusp of greatness. Ultimately, the Thunder never won a championship with that group and are still chasing their first in Bricktown with the next generation. However, Fisher played a key and underrated part in that initial run.