Anybody remember when Sasha Vujacic couldn’t shoot? I do. I remember him coming into the game and jacking up shots and all of them clanking off the rim. In all honesty, they weren’t off by much, but none of them went in. I remember thinking, why in the world did Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak draft this skinny little dude who looks like he’s in grade school who can shoot but can’t make anything?
Well, turns out Mitch has been right on quite a few of the guys he’s drafted. Sasha put the game away last night, scoring all 14 of his points in the final period. He’s definitely a gunner. Busted three 3s. Luke Walton, another Mitch draftee, another at-the-time questionable draft pick, was a perfect 6 for 6 from the field and another key component to their win.
Jordan Farmar and Ronny Turiaf have been excellent in limited minutes. Turiaf’s even been starting. He didn’t play much last night, but he brings energy and hard work that is downright infectious. Farmar, meanwhile, brings a Kobe-like mentality. He’s a bit undersized and plays the part of the underdog to perfection.
Oh yeah, let’s not forget Andrew Bynum. Going up against L.A.’s “other” blossoming center in Chris Kaman (who, is a full five years older), Bynum scored 14, pulled down 9 boards, and blocked…6 shots. Half of those against the Cave man.
Hell, even Crittendon had a sweet no look dime after being fed by Sasha under the basket.
This is amazing considering that Walton is the eldest of the bunch at 27. Turiaf’s only 24. Farmar is 21. Bynum is 20. And Crittendon is 19.
So, I’m sorry Mitch for ever doubting you. For spewing forth hours upon hours of hate-filled rants and insults on how horrific a GM you’ve been.
Now, if we can fix that “trading” problem you’ve got…
