| 22 December 2011
Mention the name Viktor Khryapa in NBA circles and the first notion that comes to mind for many people is, “that one Russian kid who played in Portland right before the rebuilding years”.
But ask about Khryapa to anyone familiar with his success playing for CSKA Moscow and the Russian National team and you’re likely to get a detailed lesson about how the 6-foot-9 forward helped CSKA win the last four Russian Championships (2008-2011), VTB United League Championship (2010) and Euroleague Championship (2008), with CSKA now gunning for another title this season thanks to Khryapa.
A lockdown defender and powering scorer, Khryapa has come into his own since leaving the NBA in 2008 and returning to CSKA.
Along with his two seasons in Portland (2004-2006) where the Blazers dealt Eddie Gill to the New Jersey Nets for the 22nd overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Khryapa is probably most remembered as the thrown in player with Tyrus Thomas to obtain the rights for LaMarcus Aldridge from the Chicago Bulls on draft day 2006.
With Portland, Khryapa’s best season came during the 2005-2006 season (when he was joined by Russian countryman Sergei Monia), when he averaged 5.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and shot 46% from the field, starting 53 of 69 games.
Those two seasons left an impression on the 22-year-old Khryapa, memories he recently shared (spotty translation and all) about Zach Randolph, Darius Miles, and Nate McMillan in an interview with sports.ru.
Here are a few excerpts along with the full Q and A session available here (much thanks to Russian basketball journalist Vladimir Spivak for sending the link my way):
On his relationship with Nate McMillan…
“He liked me as a coach and as a person. His principles of work, I was impressed, because if you try to workout, you're sure to get playing time and a chance to shine on the court. I have a problem with it never was. When the coach realized that I was getting more playing time, and it was to benefit the team. Local commentators often called me "Russian Wolverine”, because I fought to the end and never gave up.”
On the Portland Trail Blazers and how the team changed…
“ Then there was another team and a different situation. McMillan came to the team with many players with very large contracts. Zach Randolph, Darius Miles, Ruben Patterson, Shareef Abdur-Rahim - all these guys want to be leaders. Nate took two seasons only to have to just get rid of the extra players and build team play. Then, it immediately gave the result - "Blazers" came out in the playoffs, but now it seems to me, Portland is not enough stars of first magnitude. Brandon Roy, who recently finished his career, yet sometimes lacked the necessary experience. The team needed an extra-class of veterans, who in other teams and provide the result. Take the same for Dallas -- there is Dirk, there's Jason Kidd, Terry. In Boston - Pierce, Garnett. This is not just good players, but real winners.”
On the “Jail Blazers”, Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire…
“When I arrived, the "gang" had already broken up. Damon Stoudamire, was surprisingly adequate and pleasant person in life, and on the court. He was one of the few who tried to play on the team. And Rasheed Wallace, of course, is remembered in Portland often. When we played in Detroit, the audience shouted "Booooo!". And it's not a sign of condemnation. The fans celebrated it, and they remembered that, despite the fact that Sheed brought many problems, he always was a very good player.”
On Zach Randolph…
“Everything is tied to success…Almost before my eyes Zach Randolph signed the heavy six-year contract, but he could not lead the team behind him. It changed when he went to New York to get rid of the problem, but even there he fooled around. But he had a six-year contract – teams in the league were interested in him. And in the end Zach found his place. Of course, this played a role that he has ended the contract. So he worked on a full last season - showed Memphis all they can. The net effect is that of the six years he has worked fine for only two years, and now he is again offering a long-term agreement.”
On Darius Miles…
“ I will long remember Darius. He always made me somewhat surprised -- his manner of playing and his behavior. He has a very strange way of life and still he got away with it. If we would be in Russia, many of his pieces so simply would not have passed. He always walked the razor's edge…”
On playing in the NBA versus Europe…
“It is clear that black players are more athletic. But we have their trump card - we take them through the skills of basketball intelligence and experience of important games. In Europe, everything is based on winning. This is the main goal of the match. In the NBA to this are a little different. Regular season is first and foremost a business. Walk-through so many matches.
On a players stats…
“Yes, in America it very differently related. All play on the charts. Statistics - this is your next contract. It is constantly discussed in the locker room, in private conversations. But, fortunately, now in every club there are people who realize that statistics provide no means a full range of information.”
On his time in the NBA being a failure…
“No, I do not think so. For eighteen months in Portland I spent 51 games in the starting lineup. Slightly crippled injury that I got back in the preseason. But, when I recovered and got the form, I think that I played well. Everything was fine, but prevented the trade, "Chicago" and "Portland." "Blazers" wanted to get LaMarcus Aldridge, and "Bulls" - Tyrus Thomas. I walked in as the add-on player.”
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