One-On-One With Derek Fisher

January 28, 2010

NBPA President Derek Fisher leads the Players Association's Annual Summer Meeting.

One of the game’s most well respected players, Los Angeles Laker and community ambassador Derek Fisher serves as President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Known for his clutch shooting, Fisher, a four-time NBA Champion, is a native of Little Rock, Ark. The 6’1” point guard attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the university. Selected by the Lakers in the 1996 NBA Draft, Fisher spent eight seasons with the team, before going on to play with the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz, before returning to the Lakers. His book, Character Driven, has recently hit bookshelves.

Q: Why did you choose to take a leadership role with the NBA Players Association?

A: I have always chosen to take a leadership role in all aspects of my life. When I joined the NBA, I knew this would not be an exception. Serving as President is a role I am not only comfortable with, but is also an honor to serve as the representative of my fellow players in the league.

Q: Many former NBA Players Association union leaders went on to successful careers after basketball in coaching, broadcast and politics. What are your aspirations after you leave the NBA?

A: My aspirations are simple: be successful in whichever businesses I decide to pursue. There are many options. Whether I choose something in the public arena or in the private sector, I will strive to be a leader in my field.

Q: The NBA Players Association has had a longstanding commitment to helping charitable causes like fighting hunger, conducting medical clinics and building homes for the needy. What are some of the charitable causes you are currently involved with?

A: My wife and I have recently launched the Derek & Candace Fisher Family Foundation. Our goal is to support causes close to my family. This includes assisting families affected by Retinoblastoma, along with reaching out to communities and supporting education, health and fitness initiatives.

Q: What prompted you to write Character Driven?

A: I decided that it was a perfect time in my career to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, both on and off the court. It was a project that took over a year and a half to complete and such a meaningful experience. I am generally a private person, so this allowed me to tell my story in my own words.

Q: As Character Driven’s foreword was written by Magic Johnson, describe the relationship you two share and how he has impacted your NBA career…

A: Magic is a living legend. Anyone that is a fan of basketball and sports in general knows who he is. When I came to the Lakers, Magic welcomed me as he does with every player that joins the organization. I look at him as a mentor and am especially inspired by what he has been able to do in the community. When my publisher asked me who would be a good fit for the foreword, I immediately thought of Magic and was honored when he agreed.

Q: While your book title, Character Driven, speaks for itself, which of your qualities and experiences do you deem most responsible for the character you continue to exhibit, on and off the court?

A: I think it starts as a child and how you are raised. I had great role models throughout my childhood and as I continued into adulthood. I have chosen to live my life with integrity, a strong sense of values and truly believe that it is a choice you make daily.

Q: What have you unexpectedly learned about yourself as a result of writing this book?

A: Not so much about myself, but I have been very surprised at the outpouring of fan support. With the release of the book, I have been able to meet fans, hear their feedback and just see firsthand how much impact we can have in our roles as players. It has been very rewarding, but also humbling.