NBA Lockout: Derek Fisher Pleads With The Players Union To Stay Strong

As the week has unfolded and the prospect of missing regular season games has become more likely, there have been signs of dissent among the NBA Players. Thursday, with the players set to meet in Las Vegas, NBAPA President Derek Fisher sent an impassioned letter to his constituents, urging them to remain united.

Sports Illustrated obtained a copy of Fisher’s letter, and key sections are below.

I’ve made it clear, I want to play. You have each made it clear, you want to play. The fans have been unwavering, they want their basketball. The thousand of employees that work in the arenas, the ticket offices, the concession stands, they want a season. We all want to go back to work.

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The most recent meetings in New York were effective. What you have been told by your agents, representatives and the media is probably speculative and inaccurate.

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Decertification seems to be a hot button issue today in the media. So I’d like to address it. I’ve read yesterday’s stories and find the position of these agents interesting. I have made myself available to each and every agent. But not once have I heard from them. If they are so concerned about the direction of the union, then why have they not contacted me? Each and every one of them mentioned has been in meetings with me. I’ve answered their questions, I’ve been told they support you, their players and our Players Association. So if there is a genuine concern, a suggestion, a question, call me. Email me. Text me. I’m working tirelessly each and every day on behalf of the over 400 players that they represent. Working for nothing but the best interests of THEIR guys. I don’t make a commission, I don’t make a salary for serving as President. I have NO ulterior motives. None.

It is because they have not come to me once that I question their motives.

I work every day on these negotiations. I work so that each player from Blake Griffin to Tyler Hansbrough, Pau Gasol to De’Andre Jordan, Dwight Howard to Jrue Holiday, Taj Gibson to Danny Granger, Steve Nash to Luke Babbit and every single player get a fair and reasonable deal. Not just for this year, not just for next year but for years to come. So that the league that WE the players largely helped build, continues to grow and thrive.

So to address the agents that have decided to say their piece yesterday, I don’t mind. Perhaps they are trying to make news. Perhaps they just want to show you, their clients, they are working hard. But what would be appreciated by the 400+ players would be the support of our agents and constructive ideas, suggestions and solutions that are in our best interests.

How his arguments will be received is another matter entirely, but if the union’s going to fall prey to an attack from player agents upset with the way negotiations have gone thus far, we know that Derek Fisher won’t go quietly. You can read his entire letter at Sports Illustrated.