Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade and 13 other genius Thunder moves Sam Presti nailed
By Tyler Watts
13. Signing Derek Fisher
The Lakers traded Fisher to the Rockets in 2012 after he helped them win five championships next to Kobe Bryant. The 6’1 point guard was 37 and nearing the end of his playing career. Houston was destined for the lottery and was quick to waive the veteran, which opened the door for Presti and OKC.
They needed some leadership and experience on their young and talented roster. Fisher had been through the playoff wars and had a knack for sinking clutch shots. The veteran was comfortable playing off superstars and did not need the ball in his hands.
Fisher played a crucial role in the Thunder’s run to the 2012 NBA Finals, including playing the entire fourth quarter in the closeout game against the Spurs in the conference finals. Oklahoma City may not have won the West in 2012 without Fisher. His stats do not jump off the screen, but he knows how to win and helped the Thunder get it done.
Derek Fisher closed the final three seasons of his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. They won six playoff series during that stretch and the veteran played a key role every year. He retired in 2014, and the Thunder’s young core quickly unraveled. Sam Presti knew they needed a veteran, and D-Fish was the perfect addition.