NBA Rumors: Former New York Knicks Head Coach Derek Fisher Trying To Come Back As Player

Basketball players only have so much time to play in the NBA that it makes it hard to walk away. According to ESPN, Derek Fisher wants to make a comeback as a player. The 6-foot-1 point guard has been sending out feelers around the league to see if there is any interest.

The last time that Derek Fisher was involved with the NBA, he was the head coach of the New York Knicks. Team president Phil Jackson took a risk on his former starting point guard, but things did not work out as well as either had hoped it would.

If Derek Fisher were to somehow get a roster spot with one of the NBA teams, he would be the oldest player in the league at 41 years of age. Not a lot of players have performed well after turning 40, so Fisher would have a lot to prove just to make it to the final roster cut before the regular season starts.

Derek Fisher reportedly mulling comeback…as player. Posts clip of him training on Facebook https://t.co/ZZGdXtvcbBhttps://t.co/yBnuFknibR

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 3, 2016

While some may think that Derek Fisher is trying to prove something, he really has already accomplished a lot as an NBA player. He has already spent 18 seasons in the league, something that very few players can accomplish. There’s also the five championship rings that he possesses.

One team that Derek Fisher can definitely rule out is the New York Knicks. It would simply be way too awkward of a situation for him to be on their roster after being fired as the head coach. Plus, the Knicks recently acquired the services of Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings.

Another team that Derek Fisher should rule out is the Sacramento Kings. The team recently signed Matt Barnes. Fisher and Barnes have had many off-court issues because he is dating the estranged wife of the latter. Some have even said that Fisher lost his job with the New York Knicks because of the incidents.

If Derek Fisher does sign with an NBA team, many will mark down the calendar for his first game against the Sacramento Kings. Many will be eager to see if Matt Barnes physically retaliates against Fisher on the court.

Since he has a long history with the franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers might be a potential destination for Derek Fisher. He is a former teammate of Luke Walton, the new head coach for the Lakers. Walton might want another veteran presence in the backcourt to help Jose Calderon mentor Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell.

The Golden State Warriors are another interesting option. Head coach Steve Kerr could be looking for a third point guard behind Stephen Curry and Shaun Livingston. Derek Fisher could fill the role that was vacated when Leandro Barbosa decided to leave the Warriors for the Phoenix Suns.

With a 39 year old Pablo Prigioni as their top backup point guard, the Houston Rockets could be interested in signing Derek Fisher. The former Los Angeles Lakers star brings NBA Championship experience and could help star shooting guard James Harden with the burden of leadership.

Another potential team is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Not only does the presence of LeBron James enable Derek Fisher to chase a sixth NBA Championship ring, the franchise also offers him the opportunity to be reunited former teammate Tyronn Lue, who is now the head coach of the Cavaliers.

While it is highly unlikely that Derek Fisher can accomplish a comeback in the NBA, it would be a tremendous sports story to see taking place. If Fisher really has his heart set on playing professional basketball again, then he might need to look overseas for opportunities.

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