NBA Trade Deadline 2012: Why Derek Fisher Deal Was Thursday’s Biggest Shocker

It might be a bit surprising to Laker fans to see longtime Laker Derek Fisher dealt at the trade deadline. Fisher, alongside the 2012 first-round pick the acquired from Dallas,was sent to the Houston Rockets, in exchange for reserve center Jordan Hill. It was widely expected that Fisher would finish his career in purple and yellow, despite Fishers rapidly declining skill-set. However, the move will likely end that possibility.

Fisher, who played a vital role during the Lakers two title runs in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 as the team’s starting point guard and as a key reserve in Lakers three consecutive titles from 1999 to 2002 was a fan favorite. His most recent heroics included serving as president of the NBA Players Association and played a key role in ending the lockout in 2011.

Fisher was a virtuoso at leading former head coach Phil Jackson’s triangle offense before the Hall of Fame coach entered retirement before this season. However, as the team shifted gears this season with the hire of Mike Brown to replace Jackson, the 37-year-old Fisher struggled to adjust to Brown’s system.

Brown likes to run a more traditional NBA offense, emphasizing a lot of off ball movement and living by the pick-and-roll. Fisher’s age and deteriorating athletic skills made him a bit of a liability in Los Angeles for Brown, as he lacked the explosion and quickness to effectively run the offense.

The Lakers solved this problem yesterday by acquiring Ramon Sessions from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sessions ran Brown’s offense when he was last head coach of the Cavs in 2010, making Sessions and ideal candidate to bring to L.A. Before Fisher's trade, it was largely expected that Sessions would split time with Fisher for the final stretch of the season.



However, when the Lakers sent Fisher packing, it became clear that the team would move forward with Sessions as the full time starter...