May 31, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Derek Fisher (37) dribbles up court against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 102-82. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

With the surprising news of Keyon Dooling’s retirement, the Celtics are now in the market for a backup point guard. Many fans have asked the question whether Derek Fisher would be an option for the Celtics if they do intend to sign a replacement for Dooling.

Last night the Boston Globe reported the speculation of the Celtics pursuing Fisher, and given Danny Ainge’s history, it would make sense. Fisher is entering his 17th season, he’s looking for a contender, and he has championship experience along with five rings. It’s a perfect situation. The Celtics get a veteran point guard who can share his wisdom with Rajon Rondo, and he is the best option out of the remaining available point guards. One thing Boston had lacked throughout the Big Three era, until last season, was having a backup for Rondo who could command and control the second unit. Derek Fisher is a proven leader, and I wouldn’t want anyone else leading the bench other than him.

Other point guards that are possible options are Jonny Flynn, Carlos Arroyo, and Mike Bibby. While some of those players would be good fits on this team, Derek Fisher, in my eyes, is the only player on that list who is worth the bi-annual exception of $2 million.

One thing worth noting is if the Celtics decide not to pursue a backup point guard, they’re putting all their trust in either one of the recently acquired shooting guards, or Dionte Christmas who hasn’t played one game in the NBA.

I suspect right now, that Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are on the phone with Fisher or at least trying to contact him. Like they’ve done with every free agent veteran, I’m sure they’ll have some type of meeting with him, trying to persuade him to joining the team.

The letter is not a good sign that things are going well within the players camp as the letter looks to stop the growing dissension amongst the ranks. The current players have the most to lose, they are not getting paid. The owners, who stand to lose less money with a lockout, can and will do anything to broker the best deal possible for their side.

This sort of give and take is bound to and will happen. Negotiations are all about leverage and the time and place you plan to use that leverage in order to make the deal happen. It is just a matter of time before the players are forced to put all their cards on the table. In about two months, all the games will be canceled and all the leverage the players currently have will be canceled out with the games.

The average NBA career is about three years and we are on the verge of seeing the average NBA player forgo 33% of their earnings potential. Desperate times call for desperate measures and we are about to see which side is the most desperate.
The full text of the letter is below:

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