In anticipation of NBA free agency, which kicks off on June 30, ESPN listed the most impactful free-agent signings since 2010 for all 30 teams.
As a small-market team, the Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t historically a huge free-agent destination. Instead, the Thunder rely on drafting and developing their own players — with the occasional trade.
This reflects on the Thunder’s selection by ESPN, which chose Derek Fisher as their greatest free-agent signing since 2010.
The veteran spent parts of three seasons with the Thunder, serving in the backup guard role. In 125 games with OKC, Fisher averaged five points on 37.2% shooting, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
“There aren’t many big free agent signings in Thunder history, but this one is a nod to a buyout signing Oklahoma City made on its way to its only finals appearance. Fisher had been traded from the Lakers to the Rockets, who bought out his deal. The Thunder needed a backup point guard, and the 37-year-old Fisher jumped in. Fisher averaged 22.3 minutes in helping OKC reach the Finals.”
While the Thunder doesn’t have a long list of free agent signings, there were several better options than Fisher.
Even though he quickly re-signed with OKC, Paul George was technically a free agent in 2018. If undrafted free agency counts, which I’m assuming it does since the Toronto Raptors’ choice was Fred VanVleet, Lu Dort has contributed more to the Thunder.
Other potential answers that would’ve been better than Fisher are Nerlens Noel, Isaiah Joe and Anthony Morrow.
