Fact: Jordan Farmar is a Starter
Let me begin by saying that I grew up watching Derek Fisher. When the feisty rookie came off the bench to relieve Nick Van Exel, it didn’t take me long to never again question his dedication, professionalism, and basketball skills. But it must be said: Jordan Farmar should be the starting point guard this year.
Farmar’s ability to attack the basket and hurt you from long range is a rare combination. He attacks the rim like Robert Pack in his prime, and is beginning to show his shooting is resembling more Mike Bibby than Jason Williams. His 16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals on 6-9 shooting in under 24 minutes against the Raptors came with an alarming sense of ease. The game Sunday night was close until the 4th quarter, when Farmar entered. He led a run that made the final score 112-89. The only player that has single-handedly changed games for the Lakers lately this side of Shaq is Kobe. Farmar cannot be held to 20 minute games anymore.
Where does this leave Fisher? Where he has always belonged: at shooting guard. There is simply not a more effective lineup for the Lakers- defensively or offensively - than Farmar, Fisher, Bryant, Gasol, and Bynum. And when you look at the starting guards in the west, Fisher’s height at 6′1 shouldn’t be a problem in most cases. Are you saying he can’t guard the Hornets’ Morris Peterson? How about the Suns’ quickly aging Raja Bell? Or the Spurs starting 73-year old Michael Finley? The Jazz aren’t going to start running their offense through Ronnie Brewer either if Fisher guards him.
Out of all the contenders, there are two teams that pose a serious threat (other than the Spurs when Ginobli checks in). The Pistons and Celtics start Richard Hamilton and Ray Allen, respectively. Can Fisher stay with a 33-year old Allen? Yes, but it allows Allen to get off his outside shot with more ease should Fisher be anywhere but in Ray’s jersey. But I’m sure the Lakers would rather have Fisher on Allen than Radmanovic on Pierce. Kobe can then slide down and guard Pierce at small forward with Fisher at the 2.
I’m hoping Mr. Phil Jackson, who has become a scientist of sorts lately with his experimental finalizes this lineup he has sometimes flirted with into a permanent reality.
And just to show you how much of a gamer Jordan Farmar is, here is his sick pass to Trevor Ariza in Sunday’s preseason game against the Raptors.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-TbWNDmJsA&hl=en&fs=1]
