Mitch Kupchak

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameMitchell William "Mitch"•Kupchak
Used nameMitch•Kupchak
Born24 May 1954 in Hicksville, New York (USA)
Measurements208 cm / 104 kg
AffiliationsNorth Carolina Tar Heels, Chapel Hill (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Mitch Kupchak played for the University of North Carolina and also for its coach, Dean Smith, in the 1976 Olympic Games. He was drafted in the first round of the 1976 NBA draft by the Washington Bullets and was shortly thereafter named to the NBA’s All-rookie team. Kupchak was described as a 6-10 (2.08) banger who didn’t start but led the league in floor burns and contributed significantly to every team he played on.

After five excellent years in Washington, including an NBA championship in 1978, Kupchak signed a multimillion dollar contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. But injuries hindered what could have been a great pro career. After the 1979 NBA season, he underwent back surgery but in December 1981 he suffered the worst blow. On that night he crashed to the floor in a game against San Diego, suffering ligament, cartilage and bone damage to his left knee which required several operations and effectively ended his career. Kupchak played thru the 1986 NBA season, but his career was hampered by his knee problems. He moved into the front office and in 2001 became the general manager of the Lakers, holding that position until February 2017.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1976 Summer Olympics Basketball (Basketball) USA Mitch Kupchak
Basketball, Men (Olympic) United States 1 Gold

Special Notes