Farewell, Veeeektor

February 7th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanE

It’s a sad day for the Bulls. No, not because they lost to the Blazers last night. No, not because they’re about to take a beatdown from the now-40-percent-slower Warriors. And no, not just because it’s another day in a slog of a season that will probably end in a boring, worthless playoff berth. Those are all valid reasons, but not applicable here.

No, today is sad because Viktor Khryapa has finally been bought out of his contract, freeing him to take his act overseas. That act includes looking like a sixth grader, all the way down to the haircut and the quarter-length socks, as well as having a freakishly long wingspan and no apparent offensive basketball ability.

Naturally, Viktor is quite sad. Aren’t we all?

“Sure I’m frustrated just because I never had a chance to play,” Khryapa said. “Not because of anything else. I liked my teammates and the organization. But I feel I did everything from my side. I proved to them I could play when I got the chance. During the season I practiced hard. But for some reason, I never had a chance to play and nobody could explain why. Basically I lost two years of my career.”

“I lost this time, two very important years,” Khryapa said. “I have to work hard and sign a good deal. Right now, no one knows I’m a good player so I can’t sign a good deal [in the NBA]. I have a family and have to think about the future. So we’ll see about the NBA.

“But for now, I will go my way. And the Bulls will go theirs.”

It’s hard to argue that you wasted two years when you rolled in around $2 million for, you know, doing nothing, but kudos to Viktor for actually trying to advance his career. But anyway: Aww, Veeeeektor. You’re so sweet. Of course, we’ll miss you too, sweetie. Be sure to write!