Phil Jackson acknowledges challenge in fitting in Sasha Vujacic into rotation
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson outlined the tough road ahead it will be for finding a proper balance in minutes for the Lakers' backcourt. And in the Lakers' 112-110 season-opening victory Tuesday against the Houston Rockets, it was Sasha Vujacic who didn't make an appearance for a single minute.
"It's real tough to play five guards," Jackson said after Thursday's practice at the Lakers' facility in El Segundo. "We know that. He knows that. All of our guards know it."
Jackson's rationale for leaving Vujacic out entails the fact that Shannon Brown scored 16 points on six of nine shooting in 21 minutes. That led Jackson "ride the hot hand," as he called it, even if he had planned for Vujacic to defend against Houston guard Kevin Martin, who scored 26 points on eight of 17 shooting, including going three of six from three-point range.
"Even a dumb person would know that one, right?" Jackson said a few hours before the team was to leave for its Friday night game at Phoenix (0-1). "The rotation's not that important as far as how it goes. It's about winning and that's important."
Vujacic spent lots of time working on his shooting after practice, but did not speak to most reporters afterward. The strong possibility that Vujacic will receive a limited role in the backcourt isn't at all surprising, considering Kobe Bryant's skill set, Derek Fisher's leadership, Steve Blake's strong understanding of the triangle offense and Shannon Brown's improved outside shot. But with one year remaining on his contract worth $5.5 million, Vujacic acknowledged during his exit interview how important it is to ride his confidence, including the two clutch free throws he made in Game 7 of the NBA Finals with 11.7 seconds remaining to secure the win and the title. Though he missed three exhibition games after suffering a concussion, Vujacic provided tons of energy, key outside shots and defensive scrappiness.
"I'm very competitive and sometimes a lot of people take that the wrong way," Vujacic said before training camp started. "I don't really care right now about the free agency or the contract year. What I care about is to do what I did all summer, to work hard and to play some basketball. To play basketball the right way and to win."
"Obviously, Sasha's a guy that comes in and does some things with shots in three-point territory," Jackson said during training camp. "We need [someone] to stir up the game. We need someone to anticipate picking up full court or chasing guys up full screens, animated defense. Those are the things Sasha can help us with."
But how much Vujacic will help in those departments remains to be seen. When I asked Jackson if Vujacic's recent contentiousness with Phoenix guard Goran Dragic could entice him to play Vujacic more Friday against Phoenix, Jackson said, "There are matchups that are really important."
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Jeeze MM, you're all over the place and completely fast and furious; it's hard to keep up with you today. And so, I devote this to you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JybkqBGrVs&feature=related
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 03:35 PM
MASHEEN SIT IN IDLE ON BENCH.
SHANNON SHOOT LIKE 2008 MASHEEN SO 2010 MASHEEN MUST WAIT.
BUT MASHEEN BE READY. HIS CHANCE WILL COME.
MASHEEN.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | October 28, 2010 at 03:44 PM
Shaha this guy's a looser, can't shoot, can't play "D" make bonehead mistakes. But a great teamate, and loves to compete, he can play on my summer team at the YMCA anytime.
Posted by: JUSTA HATER | October 28, 2010 at 04:04 PM
Sasha vs Dragic Rd 2 coming up
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 04:07 PM
@63 Footer you're right MM is truly hustling. I wonder if he's whistling also....hmmm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFz2WkVAk38
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 04:09 PM
What happened to LTLF? He suddenly became Ricky....lol!
Blast from the past for 63 footer and LakerTom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUlOyj9F5gM&feature=related
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 28, 2010 at 04:10 PM
I hope that;
- Pau toughens up and takes up the load until Kobe is 100%
- Ron is able to maintain his agility and make intelligent decisions at low-post
- Lamar keeps his current form throughout the season and into the playoffs
- Shannon is able to sustain his new found shooting touch
- Machine gets a chance to rise this season
- Blake usurps Fish as the starting point guard
- Ebanks and Caracter make the rotation
Then, Kobe will lead this team to another ring.
4g3n7 (i.e, Agent)
Posted by: 4g3n7 | October 28, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Gaaaaaaah!!! LRob & Edwin have mashed up "Do The Hustle" and "Calendar Girl" in my brain! Sonic overload... abort! Abort!
Oh, and for Sasha, I'm sure he'll get more PT, but... you snooze, you lose.
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 04:13 PM
What happened to LTLF? He suddenly became Ricky....lol!
Blast from the past for 63 footer and LakerTom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUlOyj9F5gM&feature=related
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 28, 2010 at 04:10 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He probably is still fuming from the Lakers letting go Jordan Farmar and will come back to take shots about how they should have let Farmar start/get more minutes etc.
I miss the dude he really knows the game as well as I do but I think he might be on the verge of suffering the Michael Teniente syndrome of "You let my favorite player go now Lakers you will pay!" but not yet there so that's a good thing. Still miss him though.
Disclaimer: LongTimeLakerFan is a very knowledgeable Laker fan and has known the game for a while and knows it damn well.
Posted by: KB Blitz | October 28, 2010 at 04:15 PM
@LakerTom - Good point about Lebron's lack of post up game. I saw him post up vs. Bos, turn to the middle for what should've been a basic turnaround j...but you could see he was uncomfortable. He kicked it back out. I'm sure he'll develop that part of his game, but right now...ugh! Right now DWade is more comfortable in the post than Lebron.
I enjoyed your 72 flashbacks and of course Phil and Don Everly. Part of the first RR HOF class 1986. You're right about their influence. Maybe no Beatles/Beach Boys without Everly Bros. Remember Paul paying tribute to them on Let Em In...
Open the Door and Let Em In,
Sister Suzie, Brother John,
Martin Luther, Phil and Don.
Anyway after hearing two versions of Crying in the Rain. I figured we could use some Laughter in the Rain: (warning phred you may view this as obscure 70's song...lol)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IrDz-urxVw
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 04:22 PM
Sasha will sit until Shannon goes through a cold spell. If Shannon can develop a more consistant defensive presence, then Sasha will sit for much longer.
I am really glad that UPS put in the time and effort over the summer to get better because Sasha is more inconsistant than Lamar during a bad month.
Posted by: mclyne | October 28, 2010 at 04:24 PM
63 Footer - Hey try to take some more time out of work to hang out on the blog lol. I love the song. Thanks for the tribute!!
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 28, 2010 at 04:29 PM
LRob - since we're doing rain songs, and I refuse to go with the Beatles or Creedance, but since we are doing '72 songs as weel, here's one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFZcF4WIFkI
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 04:29 PM
It's a long season. Unfortunately, due to injury or illness, Sasha will probably have to step up sometime. He's got to stay ready. His size and aggressive defense can help the team at some point. He's got to stay patient.
Sasha has had plenty of opportunity to show his wares. Let's hope he doesn't let playing time become a distraction or an issue as the season progresses. The Lakers are looking at a historic season. All hands need to be on deck.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | October 28, 2010 at 04:32 PM
Shasha shasha shasha!!
Promise keep work hard. No sulk during garbashasha time. Just keep play hard.. No more bad shasha foul in backcourt 50ft away from basket.. Stay ready and chance come again
Sincerely,
your brother Borat from benefit glorious nation kazakhstan
Posted by: yellofever | October 28, 2010 at 04:34 PM
MM - you da Man! Let the info flow.
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 04:34 PM
yellofever - your Kazakhstan alter-ego said it all. Hang tough Sasha, and try to be prepared. Think free throws in Game 7, not "I have to prove myself by doing too much."
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 04:42 PM
Here is more good stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7-e6Yhu5SU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzEzK7Y4574
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhrzwp850TE
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 28, 2010 at 04:47 PM
Alas, poor Sasha! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow
of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath
borne me on his back a thousand times
Posted by: p ang | October 28, 2010 at 04:47 PM
>>What happened to LTLF? He suddenly became Ricky...
When did I ever claim that Pau was better than Kareem or Wilt or Shaq or any other Laker great?
I was doing "masheen" voice like the videos that guy did a couple of years ago when Sasha was playing well and was popular. You know...
http://tinyurl.com/634wxb
MASHEEN.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | October 28, 2010 at 04:50 PM
>>>He probably is still fuming from the Lakers letting go Jordan Farmar and
>>>will come back to take shots about how they should have let Farmar
>>>start/get more minutes etc.
and KB Blitz is cooking up terrorist plots to blow up Staples center.
Don't fabricate what I'm doing, and I won't fabricate what you're doing. When's the last time you saw me post about Farmar in this blog? Back in June, when it was still relevant.
If you want to continue discussing irrelevant matters, you're welcome to. If not, maybe we can talk about the current Laker squad, hmmmm?
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | October 28, 2010 at 04:54 PM
I don't think Phil was planning on giving Brown and Blake that much time the first game, but they got hot. Sasha just has stay ready so that when he gets the call, he performs - if he's hot, and doesn't make bonehead mistakes (he's gotta learn not to complain after obvious calls or else he'll get technicals), Phil will leave him in.
That being said, I hope he gets traded for a serviceable big. We got plenty of guards especially if you count Ebanks and Barnes being able to play the 2.
Posted by: LakerFanInCowTown | October 28, 2010 at 04:54 PM
Having that many hungry guards may be a good thing. Knowing that to slack off even for a few seconds could jeopardize your minutes is a potent deterrent against any complacency and mid-season lethargy.
Posted by: Allnet | October 28, 2010 at 04:55 PM
This one's for you, Sasha...
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sEggCmOGL4
-
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
-
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
-
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 28, 2010 at 04:57 PM
All of that makes me wonder if Sasha is going to be traded...
Jonesin' for tomorrow night!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | October 28, 2010 at 04:59 PM
Gaaaaaaah!!! LRob & Edwin have mashed up "Do The Hustle" and "Calendar Girl" in my brain! Sonic overload... abort! Abort!
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 04:13 PM
--------------------
Lol....too late you've been infiltrated.
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 05:05 PM
Don't worry PJ. Sasha understands. At least he can play "horse" with Luke!! YIKES :-)
Posted by: frmkt | October 28, 2010 at 05:25 PM
@63 Footer - Dramatics...the most underrated of the 70's sould groups IMHO.. Even Snoop recognized and had them sing hook on Doggy Dog World.
@JustaLF - Trying to figure out Michael McDonald lyrics in the pre-internet days was impossible.
Okay so I bugged Sasha's cell and found out this is what he told Phil.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99EJXBa21nw
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 05:27 PM
LRob - that was a GREAT call!! I'm still groovin' to it. After he told Phil that, Phil responded with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqeSUAlI5uI
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 05:29 PM
"This one's for you, Sasha..."
-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sEggCmOGL4
______
that's the video being sent to GMs around the league for the trade deadline. :-)
we all know that his value is his expiring contract and if they can't get rid of him, i believe there's a place for him on the team, but not at $5MIL a season.
Posted by: frmkt | October 28, 2010 at 05:30 PM
"Okay so I bugged Sasha's cell and found out this is what he told Phil......."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99EJXBa21nw
-------------
and phil replied...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIb9QUGjdIc
Posted by: frmkt | October 28, 2010 at 05:35 PM
Tiger and Ahmad Rashad chatting courtside at the Magic game....
There's GOTTA be a joke in there somewhere, right??? Phred???
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 28, 2010 at 06:10 PM
@LROB…. I grew up listening to the Everly Brothers. If were doing rain music, here are my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v5Siv33hL4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z66rDVkaK4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azVqekQBK8g
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | October 28, 2010 at 06:29 PM
@LROB…. I grew up listening to the Everly Brothers. If were doing rain music, here are my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v5Siv33hL4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z66rDVkaK4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azVqekQBK8g
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | October 28, 2010 at 06:30 PM
LakerFanInCowTown...regarding Sasha, you said.
"That being said, I hope he gets traded for a serviceable big. We got plenty of guards especially if you count Ebanks and Barnes being able to play the 2."
Excellent suggestion. I'm a little worried about the Laker front court depth, so I wholeheartedly agree.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | October 28, 2010 at 06:31 PM
I like Sasha because he plays hard and tough. But his shots are not just falling in consistantly, and he will have hard time to get into PJ's rotation. I am also confident that Shannon's outside shooting will only get better as the season progresses. With Bynum AND Ratliff's knee problem, and Caracter's inexperience, the Lakers need another big man. I just hope Mitch will come up with some way of trading Sasha for either C or PF.
Posted by: LakerPeace | October 28, 2010 at 06:35 PM
Is Sasha not playing really an issue? Just hope his wife doesn't mind watching him in Europe next year.
Posted by: htj | October 28, 2010 at 06:42 PM
That explains the Macheen of LTLF. I think PJ has the option to play three guards with LO and Gasol as 4 and 5. How about going for Sasha, Blake and UPS. Sasha @ 6'7" could play #3 that is possible for some team like Suns. During the first game, Fisher was out of sync, that gives an option for PJ to play SV since this is just the beginning of the season.
To keep up the raindrops mood and keep MM awake who never sleeps on the job according to Burt B.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbYWkegobTU&feature=related
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 28, 2010 at 06:43 PM
LRob - that was a GREAT call!! I'm still groovin' to it. After he told Phil that, Phil responded with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqeSUAlI5uI
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 05:29 PM
----------------------------
63 Footer - and even better response and Jam.
But Sasha is a persistent sort of fella, so he said Phil....(bringing my selection full circle from this morning)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebj4MeXeIcc
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 06:49 PM
"Okay so I bugged Sasha's cell and found out this is what he told Phil......."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99EJXBa21nw
-------------
and phil replied...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIb9QUGjdIc
Posted by: frmkt | October 28, 2010 at 05:35 PM
-----------------------
frmkt - So Phil gets tough. That makes Sasha plead even harder...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnxEcOoUsUs
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 06:53 PM
@EDWIN… Can’t hear that song anymore without it taking me back to watching Dick Enberg and the last night delayed telecasts of UCLA Bruin basketball during John Wooden’s championship streak. Hazzard, Goodrich, Kareem, Silk Wilkes, Bill Walton, on and on. If I recall the story correctly, Enberg promised his co-announcer that he would sing Raindrops Keep Falling if the Bruins won another NCAA championship. He always said felt the song represented how other teams felt as the Bruins sent wave after wave of all-stars at them. Man, were those heady days for Bruins fans.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | October 28, 2010 at 06:54 PM
@Edwin - Burt Bacharach...simply one of the best
@LT - Joni Mitchell - an artist's artist. Tom's Diner - one of those irresistable songs. You know the ones you don't want to like, but end up liking them. (You surprised me on that one) Toto - I was big Steve Lukather fan back in the day. I'm going to have to do some catching up and see what he's been up to lately.
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 07:10 PM
LRob going 1 on 5 against the musical world!
On the rain front, in honor of Steve Nash (who we'll be meeting shortly), Canada's homegrown:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8Cr7ss5VEE&feature=related
On the Sasha front: Sasha's promising Phil he will hit the deep shots yet again and become... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSGidjLupq4
Posted by: 63 Footer | October 28, 2010 at 07:29 PM
LRob - I met Michael McDonald at the NAMM show a few years back in the Anaheim convention center. Really a nice down to earth guy. Also got to speak with Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan at the same show. All three were very cordial and spoke with us for around 20 minutes.
Posted by: cofm99 | October 28, 2010 at 07:31 PM
Thanks for sharing Toto, one of my favorites. I was not here yet when the Bruins were reigning championship after championship. We just keep on hearing that kid Lew Alcindor was one of the best college hoopster.
BTW, at Springfield Basketball HOF, there are lots of stories there about Wooden & Lew and lots of John Wooden stories as a player, as coach and as leadership guru. They also highlighted their salaries at that time which maybe the equivalent of the maintenance crew at Staples today.
Here is something for memories dedicated to LakerTom one man, one wife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MWN_duZfIs&feature=related
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 28, 2010 at 07:33 PM
LRob - Steve Lukathe released an album in 2010 called 'All's well that ends well'
Posted by: cofm99 | October 28, 2010 at 07:36 PM
From what I understand the latest Lukather album will be released in the USA in the spring of 2011 but has already been released in Japan and elsewhere.
Posted by: cofm99 | October 28, 2010 at 07:40 PM
LRob....I know your to young but how about Buddy Holly's "Peggy Sue" and Richie Valen's "Donna"? I did love the Beach Boy's and The Chubby Checker's Twist Again. Like I told Mamba I loved Lionel Riche's Three "Times A Lady".
Posted by: NewMexicoLL | October 28, 2010 at 07:53 PM
PJ:
"It's real tough to play five guards," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said Thursday. "We know that. He knows that. All our guards know it.
"I was thinking about putting Sasha in [against Houston] and Shannon got a hot hand. You ride the hot hand. Even a dumb person would know that one, right?"
YEP!
GO LAKERS...
------------
frmkt - So Phil gets tough. That makes Sasha plead even harder...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnxEcOoUsUs
Posted by: LRob | October 28, 2010 at 06:53 PM
and then phil, completely frustrated, breaks out and says..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o5zfp34ZMM
Posted by: frmkt | October 28, 2010 at 08:12 PM
The hard work Shannon put in this summer on his shooting was apparent on Tuesday. Also, Blake came through in the clutch showing his poise and value. This is much different than last year when Farmer would play 1 on 5. However, the Bench Bunch's first half was abysmal (62 points) with poor defense and several turnovers. Nobody could keep up with Brooks in the first half (which is always the case, but then Brooks disappears in the second half) and this is easy to forget because Shannon and Blake hit 7 3-pointers in the second half and TOOK CHARGE of the game. Even more, it was great that PJ left them in the game because Artest and D-Fish couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. They shot 4 for 21.
But this won't happen every night and we should expect the Lakers to have a long season because they have played non-stop for the past 3 years. The wear and tear has taken its toll and road games will be brutal. This is when we need the Machine to step up when it is his turn to contribute.
Interestingly, this Lakers team shows the same pattern as the championship teams that 3-peated during Shaq's reign: get behind in the 1st quarter when their opponents have the adrenaline, then play even in the second quarter, take charge of the game during the last 6 minutes of the third quarter with lock down defense and halftime adjustments, and then close out the game in the 4th quarter with the Black Mamba, Paul, LO and whoever is having an "ON" night - all sharing the ball as a TEAM. This is what the Heat will be lacking this year when everyone watches Lebron try to do it all by himself.
Kudos to Mitch for putting this group together and thank God for Dr. Buss keeping together the greatest sports franchise over the past 30 years. I can't remember any of the Lakers teams having this much depth (11 deep, plus Luke and Ebanks).
Posted by: Cbad721 | October 28, 2010 at 08:44 PM
Sasha is the kind of guy who has all the luck....playing for the Lakers, got 2 rings, and the beautiful Sharapova...many men are jealous of that..Are you guys jealous about that????Kidding aside, does the Lakers still need someone like Sasha? Only time can tell, with the improved shooting of Brown even his defense it's more likely Sasha will drink a lot of Gatorade on the bench. However, there are players, good and excellent players in the NBA that Sasha can guard, though he is not a lock up defender but his ways of denying and shadowing players helps a lot. One example is the pre season game against the Warriors, Monta Ellis was running havoc on offense during the 1st half, but when Sasha guarded him on the 2nd half Ellis's production dwindled. You cannot teach somebody to play good one on one defense, you cannot find much of that in the NBA... Lakers 3 peat and beyond!!!!!
Posted by: appolo c. vermont | October 28, 2010 at 11:17 PM
"All of that makes me wonder if Sasha is going to be traded...
Jonesin' for tomorrow night!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | October 28, 2010 at 04:59 PM"
Well look at the history of how Cup-Check handled Adam Morrison....what did we get for him, a few 2nd round picks, which could have been another set of Ebanks and Caracter, oh sorry, we got nothing....just paid his salary, his expenses, his perdiem but at least we didn't pay for his wardrobe because he still shops at Kohls. Maybe we could trade Sasha to Miami, since they need a shooter with Mike Miller out in effect til probably the All-Star game....plus Miami could drain his brain of his triangle knowledge (for what that's worth), Phil's only been using it for around 20 years and people find it more mystical and mesmerizing than sudoku..... Personally, I say keep him, he's taken a long time to develop, and in the post-Phil era, he may relax...and finally do what he's paid to do, (hang out with Pau???), no....shoot the ball!!!! Regardless, he did well for himself.....Sharapova.....
Posted by: humanomaly | October 29, 2010 at 01:39 AM
sharapova executed a $70 Million Nike contract earlier this year - back in Jan or so. Sasha "ain't" no fool! I'm sure that with his expiring contract and her brand new one, it wasn't too hard to invest in a huge ring, drop on a knee and be married for the rest of his life. don't forget: she's very, very easy on the eyes too :-)
Posted by: frmkt | October 29, 2010 at 01:59 AM
I know Shannon and Blake played great, but I would like Phil to give Sasha some minutes to redeem himself from GM 6 when he almost lost that game by himself.
I also hope to see Artest playing some minutes at PF against Turkoglu.
And also give some minutes to Devin Ebanks.
Posted by: TidalWave | October 29, 2010 at 06:40 AM
The Machine would be an ideal fit for one LA based team but not the Lakers. The Clippers should offer him their starting 2 guard spot next year and let Eric Gordon play the Point. That means trading or bringing a broken down Baron Davis off of the bench (which sucks considering he makes way too much money for what he is worth and would not go for that). If the Clippers sign Sasha and get a proven scorer (20 PPG) at small forward they will be a playoff team just watch.
Posted by: DARIN BASS | October 29, 2010 at 09:48 AM