Fisher chooses family over job

Among the best things that can be said about Derek Fisher's basketball career — which may or may not be over — is that he always knew who he was.

That never changed. Not when he was briefly the biggest story in the game in 2003 after landing a game-winning 3-pointer in the Western Conference semifinals. Nor when he made his dramatic entrance in Game 2 of the conference semifinals this year, after spending all day with his seriously ill daughter. And not when he announced to the media Monday that he had received a release from his Jazz contract in order to better address his daughter's medical situation.

He was always the same.

So when the decision was announced, it was actually a better moment than one might think. As V.P. Kevin O'Connor noted, "It's for the right reasons. We're sitting here and everybody seems sad about this, but, you know, what we should be is grateful for somebody that cares as much about their family as that. That's the bottom line. You can say all the other things that you want to say, but it's about 32 months from now when hopefully (with) Tatum they have a party and we'll celebrate ... that she's gone past the troubled area."

In one sense, it wasn't particularly surprising when the news of Fisher's departure arrived. It's what you would expect from him. If anyone in the NBA would put his career on hold for the sake of his daughter, it would be him. By all indications, his priorities have never wavered.

"There is more to life than basketball and sports and that is why we're sitting here today," Fisher said.

There have been few Jazz players who became as beloved in just one year as Fisher. John Stockton sat on the bench in his early career. Karl Malone gradually grew on people. But when Jeff Hornacek came to the Jazz in 1994, he immediately became a fan favorite because, in part, he made the Jazz a contender.

Rookie Paul Millsap made a big impression on Jazz fans in his first season, too, thanks to his relentless work ethic.

But Fisher made his name several ways. First, he provided the team with veteran leadership, as well as good skills. Second, he became an unofficial team spokesman. He was the most approachable of Jazz players, always dignified and measured after games, win or lose.