Schooled by Mullin, Taft has much to Prove

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Las Vegas -- Chris Taft was a sophomore in high school when he met Chris Mullin four years ago. Mullin, then playing his final season for Golden State, had dropped by his alma mater to check out the new kids at Xaverian.

A little game of 2-on-2 ensued with Mullin and Taft matched against each other. It was a Brooklyn schooling Taft has not forgotten.

"He shot my lights off that game," Taft recalled. "He was just shooting and shooting and I couldn't defend him."

Taft had no answers for Mullin that day, but he has had plenty for his critics lately. The forward bolted Pittsburgh after two seasons once he heard talk of being a first-round draft pick. When he took a nose dive into the second round, Taft said he couldn't wait for summer league to start. Couldn't wait to erase his lethargic label.

He has been impressive thus far. Taft had nine points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes before leaving Monday's game against Washington with a strained lower back. The Warriors lost 88-79.

Mullin almost snickers when he hears about Taft's poor work ethic or motivation. Mullin said he knew when he first scrimmaged against Taft that the player had an upside.

"His size, obviously, and he's got some good basketball meat inside of that," Mullin said of his initial impression. "That's a good combination."

In three games, Taft is averaging 7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15.3 minutes. More importantly, he has been more aggressive with each game.

He had two unforgettable dunks Monday, the first at the end of the first quarter when he slammed home a lob pass from guard Marque Perry. Though officials charged him with a technical foul for hanging on the rim, they later told summer coach Mario Elie that it was a bad call.

Taft got his revenge in the third quarter, when he ran a perfect pick-and- roll with rookie guard Monta Ellis and was fouled on a one-handed dunk attempt over Wizards rookie Andray Blatche.

He was on the floor fighting for a loose ball when his back gave out. Though he walked slowly and cautiously after the game, Taft said he would be all right. He wants to show Mullin how far he has come since their first meeting at Xaverian.

"I definitely have something to prove," Taft said, "but I also feel I have to carry the legacy on." </div>

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