Mavericks Waive Derek Fisher
Derek Fisher's stint with the Mavericks didn't even last a month. At the request of the 38-year old guard, Dallas waived him on Saturday.
Fisher signed with the Mavs on November 29th as a free agent. He started nine games averaging 8.6 points, 3.6 assists and 25.4 minutes. The 16-year veteran suffered a strained patellar tendon in his right knee Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76er's. He did not join the team on its 3-game road trip to Memphis, San Antonio and Oklahoma City.
Fisher released the following statement via his Twitter feed Saturday afternoon:
"In Tuesday's game against Philadelphia I suffered an injury to my patellar tendon. The recovery time will be approximately 2 weeks. With this news & the difficulty I have been having being away from my family I have asked the organization to waive me so I can return home.
Mark Cuban has been extremely supportive and has granted me this request. I cannot say enough good things about this organization. From Mark, to Coach Carlisle, to the players on the Mavericks team, I sincerely thank them for the opportunity. I have made decisions in the past, leaving money & opportunity on the table, & I will need to do that again.
My family is my priority and that is where I choose to be. I won't close the possibility that I will play again, however, for now my family & being close to them remains the priority."
The Mavericks could call up guard Chris Douglas-Roberts from the Texas Legends, their D-League affiliate in Frisco.
Dallas is 12-15 on the year and plays in San Antonio Sunday night.
Personally, I will miss Fisher. He is one of the best interviews in the business. He's got a great future in television, if he chooses.
