I really liked his effort in the first SL game. He was beasting a lot of times. And regarding his neck that picture made laugh haha ... Can't see him again without thinking about that
Honestly, he may get more than that. Hibbert, even in Indy played very few minutes. I think we also need to have a bit better of an idea what Tarik is worth, so I'd play him up to 24 minutes a game at both the 4 and 5. While Hibbert may stick around past this season, I think Upshaw/Black is our future at center. We need to come to a conclusion this season on Black. I think Clarkson will end up a complete no brainer by the time this season is over. He'll get a 4 year deal. Black might cause pause though.
I am extremely pleased with his development as a player. A legit big in this league. He "plays bigger" than his 6'9" body.
I wasn't too fond of Tarik during our first game. It's going to be hard to play small because his 'rim protection' just isn't very good.
I saw Tarik get at least two more blocks than he was credited for too. His rim protection has improved a bit since last year. Still not great, but improved.
Tarik looked like a Starting C when we got him last year. I like his intensity. A bit undersized but he is strong as all get up and likes to leap. I like our bench...
Yes, I did. I was disappointed in him. I'm glad he'll be in a role where he'll be getting reduced minutes. I thought Upshaw did beer in limited minutes.
Was anyone besides me further confirmed with Boom Boom's coordination and potentials skills on the offensive side of the ball...... when he shot that beautiful "sky hook" like shot from the right....almost baseline? It was a "baby sky hook" at the least, like Magic's to beat the C Bags. This kid like so many other of our players on the squad this year is a very coordinated athlete.
I love Tarik's energy out there. He is fouling at a tremendous pace, but I like it. I want him to play that way in the season too. I want him all over the boards, all over the back of the man he's guarding, all over the third row while he jumps for loose balls. Byron said he wants him to play like Rodman or Wallace and I agree. He's not saying Tarik IS one of those guys, but if he plays LIKE them he can be an approximation of them. Rodman wasn't the most talented guy, he just worked harder than anyone. Wallace is kind of the same. I don't see why the stupid announcers (Reggie *sigh*) made such a big deal out of that statement.
Tarik's rim protection is actually really underrated. His first game he had quite a few blocks, and better one of them was in transition. He runs the floor. He doesn't farewell one on one situations like against Okafor, but he's perfect for rotating, hedging, and helping. Not to mention, he's a tremendous rebounder.
Especially when the whole theme during the finals was that Thompson was the next Dennis Rodman. When he wakes from whatever booze and coke filled bender he's on in Korea, he should roll over in his grave over that absurd notion.
Black is a very good bench player. He is 6'8" and forced to play at C but in reality he is a PF. Unfortunately he decided to bulk up before the draft and got an even bigger frame before signing in Houston. I think he would have been a much better prospects at 235 pounds (rather than 260 now) playing PF. At C at 6-8 without shot blocking ability...his ceiling is being a solid backup. (15-20 minutes on most nights). sent from my Windows phone
He has almost no Power Forward skills though. I think he just embraced what he is: a brutally strong, athletic dude that's going to beat you up in the paint. The Lakers want him to pick up some Power Forward skills, but I just don't see that in his skill set. There's been Centers at 6'8" that have done well. In fact that's why I think Byron wants him looking at Wallace tapes. Wasn't Wallace a little "undersized"? I like Black as a bench Center. With how big he is, he's effective enough off the bench or in small stretches.
yeah, I think he did the right thing by trying to carve out a role as an undersized center (as opposed to a moderately sized pf). even 25 lbs lighter, he doesn't have great ball skills or shooting touch. he does his damage around the basket, and he's got a strong enough base to battle with bigger guys. I'm also not positive I'd say he's without shot blocking ability. I think he changes shots a lot for a guy his size. you can't roll with him as your starter unless you have 4 other really awesome players, but as a backup, I think the lakers are in good shape at c this year between him and hibbert.
