Derek Fisher

Lore & Background

Fisher's relationship with the franchise began in earnest during the 2012–13 season when he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder for a late-season push after being waived by the Houston Rockets. He played through injuries and eventually asked to be released from his contract with the Dallas Mavericks after just nine games, only to rejoin the Thunder later that same year. In the off-season following this brief return, Fisher re-signed with Oklahoma City for the 2013–14 season. During this campaign, he was a vital part of the rotation, playing in a team-high 81 regular-season games. This period marked his final active role as an NBA player before transitioning into coaching, where he would later lead other teams like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Sparks.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Fisher's time in Oklahoma City is defined by resilience and a second chance. After signing with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2012–13 season, an injury limited him to just nine games, leading him to request his release from the contract. He then rejoined the Thunder for another late-season push. This move proved successful enough that he re-signed with them in the off-season, committing to a full year with the team. The 2013–14 season saw Fisher play a team-high 81 regular-season games, solidifying his role as a veteran presence before his playing career concluded. His departure from active play followed this stint, paving the way for his transition into head coaching roles with the Knicks and Sparks.

Reader's Guide

Derek Fisher's tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder is split into two distinct periods: a late-season addition in 2013 and a full season in 2013–14. Following his buyout from the Houston Rockets, he joined the Thunder for the rest of the 2012–13 season. After a brief, injury-shortaged spell with the Dallas Mavericks where he played only nine games before asking to be released, Fisher returned to Oklahoma City. He re-signed in the off-season and became a cornerstone of the roster during the 2013–14 campaign, playing a team-high 81 regular-season games.

Did You Know?

• Fisher joined the Thunder for a late-season push in 2013 after being waived by the Houston Rockets.
• He played only nine games for the Dallas Mavericks in 2012–13 before asking to be released due to injury.
• In the 2013–14 season, Fisher appeared in a team-high 81 regular-season games for Oklahoma City.
• Fisher was hired as head coach of the New York Knicks by Phil Jackson after his playing career ended.
• He later served as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks from 2019 to 2022.