Derek Fisher returns to Utah for Game 3 tonight, but he'll do so as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. As crazy as the fans went when he made his heroic entrance last season, I'm guessing they'll be equally fired up when they shower him with boos this evening.
If that didn't give you chills, you're simply not a sports fan. Derek Fisher is one of the NBA's good guys, plain and simple. It's a shame that the fans feel that he somehow wronged them when he left for the Lakers, and it's equally shameful the reception he's likely to receive from the Jazz faithful tonight after what he did for them last year.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. You're right: Mercenaries should be applauded and never questioned.
Posted at 4:46PM on May 9th 2008 by MC Welk
2. My understanding is that this so called "mercenary" actually took less money to join the Lakers because he wanted to move somewhere where he could get better care for his daughter. Some mercenary ...
Posted at 5:19PM on May 9th 2008 by ybs342000
3. KOBE KOBE KOBE OMG KOBE FISHER KOBE KOBE KOBE
Posted at 5:59PM on May 9th 2008 by Edwards Brett
4. Derek Fisher is a good man ...a man who loves his family ...would you all still be upset if the lakers were not a top team? booing him is just immature
Posted at 5:59PM on May 9th 2008 by nessa4urmind
5. Booing a player is a fans prerogative, but it doesn't mean they are right or intelligent. As a father, I can find no fault in Mr. Fisher's actions. Even if he did already know he wanted to resign with the Lakers before he asked out of the deal.
The fact that he had spent almost 10 years in L.A., fostering relationships within and outside the medical profession I'm sure, means he more than likely wanted to be somewhere that felt like home, somewhere he felt support and closeness from those he and his family valued most. That is no slight on Utah as a State or the Jazz fanbase, it's just human nature.
His only mistake was letting it be known that the booing bothered him. He and his wife made a decision for their family that they felt had to be made, and a few bitter fans shouldn't get the satisfaction of knowing they are causing an already hurting and struggling father and family any more grief than they already deal with on daily basis.
Lest not forget that he took less money than he was owed by the Jazz, albeit still millions of dollars, and also, the Lakers were a dumpster fire when he signed with them. No one saw them being this good.
Posted at 6:14PM on May 9th 2008 by ryan
6. Derek Fisher should take the approach that being booed by the opponents team is a form of acceptance. It is better than having total silence when he is introduced in Salt Lake City.
Posted at 12:31AM on May 10th 2008 by George B Vieto
7. If Kobe Bryant coughs, does Brett Edwards gag?
Posted at 4:26AM on May 10th 2008 by Kevin