Jazz, Fisher set good example

Even though it is July, it is not too early to declare closed the 2007-08 races for Executive of the Year and the NBA’s Citizenship Award.

Jazz owner Larry Miller and Utah guard Derek Fisher are your winners.

Out of heartbreak has emerged perhaps the most heartwarming story of decency the league has experienced in years.

Committed to providing his 12-month-old daughter, Tatum, with the best possible treatment for her eye cancer, Fisher asked the Jazz last week to release him from the final three years of his Utah contract. Putting family first, Fisher walked away from $21 million guaranteed.

In turn, Utah willingly released a talented veteran, one who will wind up returning next season as the opposition, depending on which NBA city can provide the best treatment for Tatum.

Fisher did not ask for a single dime of what was left on his contract, guaranteed to forfeit at least $3 million in the next three seasons, even if he takes a mid-level deal elsewhere.

The move will become official Wednesday, unless the Jazz can work out a trade to a desired destination for Fisher.

“From a total business point of view, it was not a good day for us, and it was not a good day for him,” Jazz vice president Kevin O’Connor told the Salt Lake Journal. “From the family point of view, it was a no-brainer.”

For years, NBA players have shied from Utah because of cultural concerns. But now, the Jazz have stepped forward as the NBA’s ultimate employer for working parents.

It is a shame the collective-bargaining agreement does not allow for Utah to receive an additional exception or salary-cap relief. As it is, Utah suddenly has to find a backup point guard without an extra dollar of salary-cap space.

Fisher, who has earned more than $33 million in his 11 seasons, plans on playing this coming season, perhaps with a conference rival such as the Lakers, Clippers or Warriors, where such pediatric oncology specialists would be more readily available.

The father of four will do so as a stay-at-home dad, with a family-first approach.

“We enjoy coming home to each other, we enjoy being there for each other,” he said, “and it would not be fair to ask my wife just to raise our children and handle our family with me being gone seven months out of the year.”

As Fisher showed in the playoffs against Golden State, even at 32, he still can be a difference maker.

At home, he showed as much last week.

Lewis expected to play big

Although there is little after-the-fact satisfaction in free agency, the Miami Heat at least briefly captured the attention of Rashard Lewis before the Sonics forward took a max deal from the Orlando Magic.

With the Heat, Lewis would have been what he always has been, a contributing scorer. With the Magic, he could find himself in an unfamiliar go-to role, with Dwight Howard yet to develop a definitive low-post game.

Then there is the matter of Lewis’ impending $15 million salary. Shouldn’t a player have to make more than one All-Star game before reaching such a stratosphere?

Noah to sit out

Although listed on the Chicago Bulls’ summer-league roster, first-round pick Joakim Noah will be held out of this week’s games in Orlando because of an ailing right rotator cuff. As for playing for coach Scott Skiles, the former Gators forward said he would abide by the Bulls” headband ban. “At first,” he said, “I was kind of worried because I had heard all the issues about that. He said I didn’t have to cut my hair, but I did have to keep it neat. So I’ll keep it neat.”

Noah’s Gators title teammate Taurean Green already has been put on notice of the long odds he faces in making the Trail Blazers as a second-round pick. “He has to wow us to keep him on board,” coach Nate McMillan told the Oregonian. “With all the guards we have, that’s what he needs to do.”

The Blazers’ crowded backcourt also features incumbent guards Jarrett Jack, Brandon Roy, Sergio Rodriguez and Martell Webster, as well as draft additions Rudy Fernandez and Petteri Koponen.

Rockets sign Oregon’s Brooks

Houston Rockets first-round pick Aaron Brooks agreed to a contract with the team on Saturday.

Brooks, the 26th pick in the draft out of Oregon, signed a multiyear contract. He will earn nearly $1.7 million over the two years.

He will play with Houston in the NBA Summer League when the team plays on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

Suns sign Tucker

The Phoenix Suns signed first-round draft pick Alando Tucker to a two-year contract.

Terms were not disclosed by the team, but the NBA rookie scale guarantees Tucker will make $776,000 in his rookie season and $834,900 in his second year.

Tucker, a 6-foot-6 forward, who was the Big Ten Player of the Year for Wisconsin, was the 29th overall draft pick.