Jerry Stackhouse Says NBPA Should Get Rid of Billy Hunter and Derek Fisher


With a crucial vote on disgraced NBPA Director Billy Hunter’s fate set for All-Star Weekend, NBA players are becoming increasingly vocal about the sad state of affairs their union finds itself in. According to Jerry Stackhouse, they need to get rid not just of Hunter (who continues to fight tooth and nail for his job), but also union president Derek Fisher. Stack is calling for wholesale changes. Per the Detroit News: “I think we need wholesale changes all the way around,’ Stackhouse said. ‘I think everybody’s pointing the finger at Billy, and rightfully so. He’s made some wrong moves, but at the same time, we’ve sat and allowed those moves to be made.’ […] Stackhouse says Hunter isn’t the only one who needs to be shown the door. ‘Derek has stepped up and has really tried to grab the reins but I think he has to go too,’ he said. ‘If you’re not aware of everything that’s happened on your watch for so long, I think the whole system is flawed.’ Hunter recently spoke with the New York Times to defend his record of leadership, and Stackhouse said that was expected, while also pointing out the way the game has changed since 1995. ‘He’s talked so much about what he’s done,’ Stackhouse said. ‘We have shorter salaries, a hard cap. Make sure you take credit for that, too.’ With All-Star Weekend looming to shape up as Hunter’s last stand, since it appears his ouster will come sooner rather than later, Stackhouse is making a trip to Houston to let his voice be heard. ‘I plan on going to make my point. I won’t be surprised if Billy was there, with all he’s done he’ll try to show his face and act as if business as usual,’ Stackhouse said. ‘The same thing with Derek. They can’t operate as if business as usual. They’ve shown their flaws too much to still continue in their positions.’ […] ‘The important thing is, it’s nothing pressing as far as collective bargaining,’ said Stackhouse. ‘We should take this time and figure out the best direction for our union. I don’t think the way it is set up now is really what it should be. Everything (should change).'”