Veteran Fisher makes Griz wish list
By Ronald Tillery
July 5, 2007
Just because the Grizzlies already have three point guards under contract doesn't mean they'll pass on adding a fourth.
The Griz are interested in veteran Derek Fisher and will explore the possibility of adding the Little Rock native to the roster.
The Utah Jazz agreed to release Fisher from his contract Monday so he can concentrate on finding the best care for his 11-month-old daughter, Tatum, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancerous tumor in her left eye.
The danger is that it could spread to her brain or the rest of her body.
At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, scientists and physicians work in tandem to translate laboratory discoveries into cures for retinoblastoma, according to the hospital's Web site.
Fisher said he wants to live in the city his family chooses for Tatum's care. He didn't rule out playing for another NBA team.
Memphis is one of six or seven cities Fisher is researching as a destination regarding medical care for his daughter. New York, Miami, Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles are also options for Fisher.
Fisher played his first eight NBA seasons with the Lakers before signing as a free agent with Golden State following the 2003-04 campaign. The Warriors later traded Fisher to Utah.
In May, Fisher fought exhaustion trying to balance basketball and his daughter's welfare. He spent a day at a New York hospital and then flew to Utah for a Western Conference semifinal game against Golden State.
Fisher decided to forgo $20.6 million when he asked for his release from the Jazz. It is not known how much Fisher would seek from a potential suitor.
Still, the Griz are interested, even with veteran Damon Stoudamire and youngsters Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley on the roster. Conley was selected fourth overall in last month's NBA draft, and is considered the future for the Griz at point guard.
Fisher, though, would be difficult to pass on given his productivity and positive influence in the locker room.
"I'll be 33 in August. I'm 6-1. I averaged 10 points this year," Fisher told Salt Lake City media earlier this week. "I don't know how many people feel strongly about what I do."
Fisher doesn't want to retire, but his family will be his No. 1 priority.
Only 350 cases of retinoblastoma are diagnosed each year in North America. In most cases, patients lose the eye rather than undergo chemotherapy, but there are exceptions.
"Retinoblastoma is probably the pediatric cancer in which an early diagnosis has the greatest impact. When it is diagnosed early, cure is certain. However, when diagnosed late, it is one of the deadliest cancers," Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, M.D., said on St. Jude's Web site.
With Memphis having one of the best children hospitals in the country and Fisher being a Little Rock native, there is a good chance that he may come to the Grizz. Would definitely give Memphis veteran leadership and also recieve some time at the 1 and 2. 
And everybody should know by now that every player in the league is rumored to go to New York so I don't see that happening at all.
