Report Card - Sasha Vujacic
There aren't a lot of guys on an NBA roster (much less the Lakers') in whom I've had less faith than Sasha Vujacic.
Not because I didn't want him to succeed, or because I didn't think he
worked enough to make it happen. Quite the opposite on both counts.
Nice kid, hard worker, great drive, hustles 24/7. All elements that
made me actively root for him, but not necessarily believe his well-documented ability to shoot lights out in practice (the dreaded "11:30"
tag) would translate into quality play once the games actually
started. Mind you, Sasha always insisted he could play at the NBA
level, assuming he got a crack at consistent PT. But even if I did buy
that theory (which I didn't), this season began looking like he
wouldn't even get a chance to prove it, as Sasha started out buried on
the depth chart, alternating between garbage time and DNP-CDs.
Then a long-awaited opportunity emerged, along with my eventual need to bake some crow at 375 degrees for half an hour, slap it on a plate, and eat heartily.
A November trade moved Mo Evans to Orlando and thrust Sasha into the role of Kobe Bryant's main backup, ready or not. As it turns out, the answer was "ready." The returns weren't immediate, but once he fell into a groove, Vujacic really took off. Career highs were set for PPG, FG%, FGA, 3PT% and rebounds. And as a gander at his career lines reveals, this wasn't solely the result of bumped minutes. Sasha's non-stop energy was still on display, but this time around, it didn't come off like a coked-out puppy frantically desperate to please his owner and avoid getting sent to the pound. Whether he began relaxing on the court because he desperately needed to (as I've felt for a while) or because he felt like one mistake would no longer get him yanked (an explanation he often cited), the difference in demeanor was obvious. Shots weren't launched the second the ball met his hand (at least not every time, as old habits die hard). The "six inches from your grill" defensive style remained, but it was accompanied by better reactions and fewer silly fouls 50 feet from the basket. Most strikingly, Sasha transformed from someone I was barely comfortable being in the arena (much less on the floor) with during crunch time to a dependable fourth-quarter mainstay, often being counted on for crucial defensive stops.
Thankfully,
Sasha didn't abandon every trait of old. "The Face" - a timeless
"elbows in, palms up, bugged out eyes" disbelieving reaction to a whistle that never fails to
entertain - lives on. Unfortunately, so do a few quirks not nearly as much fun. I can't verify this for sure, since 82games.com
doesn't track this stat, but I'm pretty sure Sasha led in the league in
"Taking the ball into the painted area without any real game plan." At
this point, the front office simply agrees to disagree with Sasha's
notion that he can run the point. As mentioned earlier, he's not
entirely immune to shot-happiness. And by his own admission, Sasha can
get too emotional when things aren't going well, a response that
happened on a few occasions during the playoffs (and especially the
Finals). But those critiques fall around the margins. All in all,
Vujacic's season represented nothing short of a breakthrough, not to
mention a clear indication that I don't always know what I'm talking
about when it comes to evaluating potential.
It'll be interesting to see what happens with Sasha this off-season. On one hand, he's a player the Lakers would wisely like to bring back and he's expressed interest in returning. On the other, there's a limit to the cash they can (and should) match. If someone's willing to throw much more than MLE money Vujacic's way, unless the front office sees him as a starter in the very near making (with Kobe at the 3), I'm guessing they'll let him walk. But if it's in the 4-5 mil range, I'd be stunned if the offer isn't matched.
Final Grade: B+ And in reference to Sasha's season, I have another mark to dole out to the TNT, ESPN and ABC broadcasters....
F, For their continual reporting that Sasha dubbed himself "The Machine,"
despite his steady claims otherwise. Seriously, how hard would it have
been for any of these folks to ask a member of the local media for the
real story, which is that Joel Meyers coined the nickname? A
perfectly believable story, too, considering Meyers used to talk about
how "The Sasha Factor" could affect games back when Slovenia's Favorite
Son wasn't even particularly good. It was embarrassing
to watch these guys make fools of themselves.
Karyanr -
Hopefully this gets to you before your sabbatical. I'm quite flattered that you would include me (on some level) in your book. Just let me know when it hits the stores, and I'll be more than happy to pick it up.
Hope you have a great next few months!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 30, 2008 at 09:09 AM
karyanr,
See you in a few months! Good luck on the book. Make sure that you include an element of obsession in your book.
The cyber world often brings out the worst in some people's obsessive nature. Strange how a "virtual" world can be all-consuming for some.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 30, 2008 at 09:12 AM
We may not be the most hated team in sports, but we're most def the most hated team in the NBA! We made it to the NBA Finals but fans from the 28 teams who DIDN'T get there tell us that WE SUCK! Heck, our Blog is getting harrassed by a dude who's star player has NEVER BEEN TO THE FINALS!
No other team in this league - Bawstun included - has the LEGACY, IMPACT and NAME RECOGNITION that the Los Angeles Lakers has. Look at the names listed in Mamba's Roll Call. You're talking a SEASON OF LONGEVITY that has branched from the 1950's through today...WITH NO 21 YEAR LAYOFFS IN BETWEEN!
It's the price of GREATNESS, y'all. We will forever have an invisible bullseye etched on our jerseys. Should Butler & Let's Go C's decide to bail, other trolls will take their place. Trolls will come and trolls will go. We will lose some games next season and they'll laugh at us and call AB overrated, Pau soft , Kobe a cancer and blah-blah-blah.
That's the price we pay for being THE SUPREME ICON of the NBA - so much so, a LAKER is the league's official logo!
So let them hate. Let them troll. Let them prey upon our downfall. Stand tall, Laker Nation and starve them. We will be back on top next year...
...and they will still troll about how long it took Kobe to win a ring after the Shaq breakup, how we stole Pau from Memphis or something of the sort. Once again: THE PRICE OF GREATNESS.
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | June 30, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Laker Nation,
I must express some disappointment in the collective defense of Laker Nation.
Like our beloved Lakers' defense in the Finals, we have been undisciplined.
Certain Trolls who I will not name have been lingering here for MONTHS! Even after the Finals they continue to spread their vile slime throughout this blogmunity.
Why? Because we keep feeding them.
Like an animal covered in mange, we continue to throw scraps outside our doorstep only to be filled with revulsion when the parasite covered, smelly, filthy creature is found parked outside our door.
We are to blame. Not the Troll.
Do not be upset with the Troll. Be upset with yourself!
Starve the Troll.
And we can return to a more focused dialogue.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 30, 2008 at 09:17 AM
HARD TRUTH.
We're not getting Ron Artest.
Sun Yue isn't going to make much of an impact.
Joey Crawford is going to be a benchwarmer.
We aren't going to have much to talk about over the next 100 days.
Next year's roster is going to be a near-mirror image of last year's roster.
With Bynum back, we'll win a dominating championship next year.
What else can I say?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 30, 2008 at 09:20 AM
yo Kiwi,
see the note at the bottom of the Luke Walton report card. Apparently the grades are based on their expected performance being a C.
Posted by: eddie brock | June 30, 2008 at 09:23 AM
http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/1049033.html
Will Artest opt out or not? We will know it by 9pm tonight. This is like waiting for Cinderella, if he opts out then it's a sure MLE 5 years only, if not, then trade with players Sacto Kings for possible 6 years deal. Both ways, Lakers gain and lose. It is a gain b/c now we have our own version of Posey-Perkins combined. It can also be a calculated risk in signing a headcase player with a veritable history of trouble. Before signing him up, RA should undergo socio-psychological exams. evaluating his expectations with the team, with his teammates, with the fans, with the LA media including AK/BK and Hollywood. Without those answers lakers might be getting an incredible hulk that could also wreck the team's progress. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 30, 2008 at 09:26 AM
kev,
>>>To all the annoying Boston fans on this board: ...
>>>... shut the $%^ up already!
Nah man, let them have their fun. I say let "Let's go C's"
and Bear75233 and whoever spew their garbage all they
want.
They have to get in as much celebrating and taunting as
they can. Their team hasn't been to the finals in 20 years
before this, and the Lakers were the last team to knock
them out of the finals (in `87), so I'd expect them to hold
a grudge.
And those 20 years, their team really sucked. They missed
the playoffs in 9 of those years and lost in the first round
6 of them. Can you imagine not making it out of the
first round 75% of the time for 20 years. I know as a Laker
fan, I can't imagine how horrible and humiliating that must
be.
And of course they won't make it back to the finals for another
20 years, so now it's 20 more years of mostly getting bounced
in the first round or not making the playoffs for the Celtics
and their fans.
So go ahead. Have your fun. Let out some of that bottled
up humiliation for finally scratching one up. It's nice that
your once great (a long time ago) franchise that had been
in such decline has actually shown a sign of life. Congrats.
See you in the finals again...
In 2029 or so.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 30, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Let's go L's,
Maggette is a terrible defender. He's pure offense. Nice player,
but he's opting out of 7 million and probably expecting to make
more than that. I don't think the Lakers can afford him.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 30, 2008 at 09:44 AM
With all due respect, I think it's a little ridiculous to think that the Kings will trade away arguably their best player to a team in the West, much less to a hated team like the Lakers. That's like trying to trade for B. Roy up in Portland, not happening.
I still say we keep the team as it is, and if it doesn't seem to be working by the trade deadline, then we should explore our options. Just make sure to bring back Sasha and hopefully Ronny, along with a vet to come off the bench.
We got this far without AB, without TA, without Mihm, imagine the possibilities with a fully healthy, experienced squad next year. Sit tight and let things play out for themselves, that's what I say.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | June 30, 2008 at 09:44 AM
karyanr
Leave the blog for a few months?! Won't happen, trust me.
You are forgetting and failing to admit to yourself, the addictive nature of the Lakers blog.
Whatever the additive is that the K's put in here, I don't know. But I do know, that it's more powerful, and more addictive than cigarettes, cocaine, and Gilligan's Island reruns put together.
You are bold in your prediction now, "I can leave for a few months and be back later. I control my addiction, it doesn't control me." But just watch.
A simple look-see, one little peak, "it can't hurt". And before you know it, you'll be posting volumes on things like Sasha's sneaker care and what to name Luke's dog.
If you think you are not an addict, ask yourself these questions.
Do you find yourself losing sleep over Trolls comments? Before going out to dinner, do you find yourself looking just 'one last time' for the latest Lakers trade rumor? And then during dinner, is your mind wondering, 'what is Mike T. saying right now? And what is the first thing you do when coming home, even before going to the bathroom, or letting the dog out, checking the blog. right?
You are an addict, just like all of us. Addicts don't wait 3 months. Three days is about right.
Don't seek help and waste your time on groups like Lalanon. (LA Lakers Anonymous) They're just a sad group of old Clippers fans that will make you come back even sooner.
Those who admit it, like most of us here, that keep on coming back, are the John Daily's of the Lakers blog. Yeah we got a problem, like gambling or drinking, but who cares?
We know and realize, that the Lakers blog, is really the 'Hotel California' of all blogs.
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."
Wishing you the best in the off season. But I'm sure we will see you 'sooner, rather than later'.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 30, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Haslem had season ending foot surgery to remove bone spurs - is supposed to be ready by training camp. Question: if you're the Heat, would you trade him for Vlad? If you're the Lakers, would you trade Vlad for Haslem? Their salaries match fairly well.
Posted by: dave m | June 30, 2008 at 09:49 AM
utzworld,
>>>No other team in this league - Bawstun included - has
>>>the LEGACY, IMPACT and NAME RECOGNITION that
>>>the Los Angeles Lakers has.
Actually, I beg to differ. The Boston Celtics are the only other
team in the league that do have the level of legacy as the
Lakers.
Granted, most of it is way in the past... they're sort of like
Greece or Rome -- once the great civilizations of the world,
but now in decline, while the Lakers are like the U.S., the
team with the strongest current legacy in the league.
I'm kinda glad that the Celtics have made it back to being
a competitive team, even if their fans don't know how to
win gracefully.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 30, 2008 at 09:51 AM
We need to bring Sasha back. Can you imagine what a nightmare it would be if the Suns or the Spurs got him? Let’s put it this way, how much is Vlade getting paid? How much has he produced for us this year? Compare that to the contributions that Sasha has made and I think it’s pretty clear that the front office should offer him as much as they can to keep him here. Hey, is there any way that we can give Vlades contract to Sasha?
AK/BK, I think you guys are brilliant but you totally dropped the ball on his grade, he deserves an A, no one expected him to come out and have a break out year, by your own admission you really didn’t think he would even get playing time and not only did he get playing time he became Kobe Bryants backup and one of the more productive players for the Lakers, and all he gets is a “B”?. Also, shouldn’t he get some sort of credit for his bouncy hair?
Posted by: Elle | June 30, 2008 at 10:06 AM
LTLF: True legacies don't take 21 YEAR LAYOFFS!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | June 30, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Long Time Laker Fan - Jon K
Hello guys. I feel the trolls are also regulars as Laker fans and or antagonizers. I just have fun with them. There are a few linked to the same poster as they have slipped and openly admitted on the blog to have fun.
Honestly, one has replied in Spanish and just simply wants to have fun. And I respect that. Do I hunt and bury them? Yes. But all in the spirit of blog and basketball fun. All I care they could be good people.
Love to you all.
Posted by: Charles | June 30, 2008 at 10:15 AM
>>>LTLF: True legacies don't take 21 YEAR LAYOFFS!
Yeah, but could you really say that Greece doesn't have a
legacy as a country? Rome? Great Britain (when it was
still great)?
It doesn't mean they're one of the top countries now, but they
do have a legacy.
Same thing with the Celtics.
A legacy is something that comes from the past, whether
it be the recent past (as is the case with the Lakers) or
the distant past (as is the case with the Celtics).
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 30, 2008 at 10:17 AM
We know and realize, that the Lakers blog, is really the 'Hotel California' of all blogs.
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."
MY MAN FATTY.
Posted by: Charles | June 30, 2008 at 10:18 AM
You want a laugh. Check out espn's review of the top free
agents. Scroll down to their 10th best unrestricted free agent.
I suggest you not be drinking hot coffee when you read this,
as you're almost sure to spit it through your nose when you LOL.
http://tinyurl.com/6ku9bg
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 30, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Karyanr:
In advance and if it happens - thanks for the nod in your next project! I love Italia - my 2nd fave country (behind Ireland). Enjoy the vino and gelato and wonderful people. Have a great time away!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 30, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
"You are an addict, just like all of us. Addicts don't wait 3 months. Three days is about right."
Dude, I burst out into laughter upon reading this.
I guess it's only a matter of time before karyanr is feverishly logging on at some Internet cafe outside of Venice so that he can ridicule Butler again.
How are we going to get through the rest of the offseason post-Summer League?
I'm serious.
I don't expect any major offseason moves.
I mean, bizarre trade scenarios get old pretty quickly when we've got nothing better to do but sit tight and let Destiny unfold itself.
It's going to be a LONG, LONG offseason.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 30, 2008 at 10:23 AM
I think it makes sense, financial and emotionally for Artest to opt out now.
Current salary for upcoming season 8.4 million.
Most he would realize by opting now. 5.8 mil over 5 years. (MLE)
So why opt now?
1. His choice. He chooses the team, location, and situation.
2. Sac chooses where he goes, if he stays. He has nice value for trade bait with his expiring contract. It could be the Memphis Grizzlies. Who knows? He would have to endure one more unsettling and losing season.
3. He won't get much more money if he stays with Sac this year over the long run.
If if no team is willing to pay him more than the MLE (5.8) this year, would it be any different next year?
So, if Ron Ron opts out now, he chooses the team, (instant gratification) can immediately be on a winner, and over the next 5 years would realize only 2.5 mil less in salary.
A Sac Sign and Trade? Would give Ron more money, but so far Sac hasn't been interested in helping Artest get more money.
Artest extension: Sac has no interest in giving Ron one. So why should Artest show any loyalty to the Kings?
So Ron Ron, don't worry about all this stuff. Just be happy now, opt and sign with the Lakers.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 30, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Hi all: I think the grade for Sasha is fitting for this moment in time. He had an okay first half and a good 2nd half - which equates to a B. Then you add in the fact that he took on the challenge of trying to defend where we were weak in the finals and I have to give the + for the effort.
We definitely need him - I don't think he wants to play for anyone else - especially when you re-listen to his G6 post-game interview. His heart is here and I think he really enjoys the LA lifestyle and being the young, hot celeb athlete.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 30, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
>>> You are an addict, just like all of us.
How right you are.
Meanwhile, the countdown to 9 pm is like a clock loudly ticking. If the blog were a local news channel, there would be a new thread in 99 point type:
S A S H A W A T C H 2 0 0 8
...with AK and BK co-anchoring in front of loud graphics and file footage of Sasha making 3-pointers over and over. "We're on standby to bring you the very latest. We have reporters live at the Kupchak offer desk, and a team of correspondents outside Sasha's castle."
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 30, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Sasha has risen to cult status.
Would you tell this guy he's only deserving of a B?
http://tinyurl.com/4pb6br
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Further to my last post, I wouldn't see Haslem as a starter, but as a backup - I really think we need another banger on the team and our options are limited. The Heat could use another shooter (Vlad). Well actually, they have a whole lot of needs but I'm not going to even bother listing them... Riles really managed to screw the pooch.
Roster?
Bynum, Mihm
Pau, Haslem, Turief
Odom, Trevor, Walton
Kobe, Sasha
Fish, Jordan, Sun, Carl
Posted by: dave m | June 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Fatty baby, you're really funny. We got a problem with our wives, they think we have a girlfriend in the Lakers Blog. She didn't know it's all about Luke and Sasha.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 30, 2008 at 10:53 AM
LTLF - thanks for the link - #10 - that IS funny... just shows how paltry the list is. The Kwamster - a case study in how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Posted by: dave m | June 30, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Bill Plaschke rapping is a clear sign of the upcoming Apocalypse.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 30, 2008 at 10:57 AM
there is NO... FRIGGIN... WAY... Artest opts out and takes less money to come play for the Lakers. I don't want the dude anyway, what kind of... $%^ trys to get time off from a job he is making millions at, to try and do a rap album? There's people who pretend to be crazy and THEN THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO REALLY ARE CRAZY!!!
Definitely hope we re-sign Sasha, who thought we'd be saying that??? Would LOVE IT if we re-signed Kwammus the Brownus as it would give us something to talk about for another year. Turiaf, would love to have the guy back but we'll see...
The Lakers always seem to go after somebody out of left field, who's it gonna be this year?
Posted by: Kwammus the Clownus of the Clan McBrownus | June 30, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Kwamus, we could always just mock Vlade. I have a feeling he is going to be the Shawme of the 2008-2009 season.
Posted by: Elle | June 30, 2008 at 11:29 AM
LTLF,
Thanks for your response. For a guy with a solid frame and aggressiveness, I always thought Maggette was a decent defender at best (at least the times I saw him in action).
You're right about the "Benjamins" in regards to FA! Some players prefer a huge payday over the chance to win championships nowadays. To each his own I guess.
Laker pride through adversity! Peace!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | June 30, 2008 at 08:02 PM
You haters can say whatever you want, but Sasha has been a great role player for the Lakers this year. The Machine!! I still feel this guy is still underappreciated sometimes, for example, did you know he had the highest 3 point shooting percentage for a Laker ever? And one theory of why abc, tnt, espn kept getting the origin of machine wrong is because Joel Meyers works for Fox Sports where Laker home games are viewed, it's stupid, but it seems they didn't want to plug another network
Posted by: Amir | June 30, 2008 at 08:07 PM
OH, NO!
NOW THEY'RE SAYING SASHA MAY WALK BECAUSE HE'S NOT APPRECIATED!
WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS TO HIM?
SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!
Posted by: Luigi999 | June 30, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Check the ARCHIVES! I told ya'll Sasha was gonna do it real big!!! Glad he's finally playing up to his talent. Now it's time to play up to his potential. He is very valuable to our success and is worth more than Luke, VladRad and Mihm who all lead the bad contract parade.
I'm just waiting for Chuck to sound off like for Ginobili:
VUJAČIĆ!!!
Posted by: dbjungle | July 01, 2008 at 10:05 AM