August 10, 2012; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak along with new Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard enter the room for press conference to introduce three-time Defensive Player who they acquired in a four-team trade from the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak got a front-row seat to the difference between acquiring Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, and nabbing a three-time Defensive of Player of the Year fresh off of back surgery and a two-time league MVP who fractures his leg two games into the season.
Turns out that’s the fine line between brilliance and not receiving a single vote for Executive of the Year. Even if it’s not his fault the talent he brought together never found it’s way.
Brutal voters.
Nuggets’ general manager Masai Ujiri ultimately walked away with the award. Ujiri and the Nuggets were a participant in the four-team trade that brought Howard to the Lakers, sending Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington to the Magic for Andre Iguodala.
Regardless of the Kupchak snub, I am a fan of the Ujiri winning. He’s been pivotal in constructing one of the deepest rosters and soundest front offices in the league, and the Nuggets’ success this season reflect that.
▷ Do YOU feel Kupchak was snubbed, or is this just a dose of reality? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
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