guess i missed the star potential in upshaw (as did every single other nba team). even after losing 25 lbs, he was slow. he's got a long way to go if he's going to be even a starting nba center, imo. i thought young bynum showed a lot more, but maybe that's hindsight bias. and again: i don't like sacre as a player, either. i'd dump both for a legit nba backup center, and i'll play the undersized black over either, all day every day.
I literally couldn't be more happy with the recent draft picks. Clarkson, Randle and D'Angelo all seem to be future cornerstones, or very good players at the very least. Clarkson may be remembered as the steal of last year's draft. The remaining picks seem to be good choices too. I remember most people here were super upset about the choice of Nance and he too has made a good impression so far. Even Kelly, who was criticized heavily by most here not more than 2 weeks ago seems to have developed into a somewhat valuable bench player, and he was a late pick as well. Irrespective of the recent draft picks, I also really like the free agents signed this summer, especially Hibbert. He may prove to be crucial with his defense and exactly what we needed with all the fire power on the remaining positions. Huertas and Lou seem to be very good additions as well. What is there not to like? This team seemed totally hopeless not more than two years ago and it seems the FO was able to build a very good foundation for the future in this short period of time. They didn't have very good cards in their hands and did a hell of a job IMHO. I don't blame them for not being able to attract any of the big name free agents that were available in the meantime - we were just too weak. Are you asking because you don't agree with my assessment? Which of those decisions are you not happy with?
I'm pretty sure they've already told him they want him there too, but if he gets a contract he'll take it obviously.
I know he's a long way from being that ready, but I just hope he doesn't end up being another missed opportunity like Whiteside.
Half of today's Backstage Lakers episode was about Upshaw and how hard he's worked to get to where he's at right now. Too bad he got cut.
I really hope he goes to the D League and makes a case to be called up. I think like others have said. He really needs playing time and experience.
I'm bummed he got cut. But I hope he keeps up the good work he's done and plays in the D League. Like Sirron said, he needs experience and PT - he has good instincts and some solid skills. But he is raw and needs to play through it. I hope we see him again in a Laker uni. I like him.
To be fair, backstage Lakers is going to paint things in the most positive light. I saw a tweet when he was cut, possibly Medina, that said he would always leave right after practice without doing extra work, and that might have been a factor, so who knows. Also, as far as Whiteside comparisons go, that dude is a little more coordinated. I was rooting for Upshaw, still am if he joins the D-Fenders, but the guy moves like newborn Bambi on ice.
^If the attitude is wrong...it could infect the whole group. Also that will not cut it with 24, Peace, Hibs and the hard bitten Scott.
Yeah I saw one glimpse (sure there were more) that I recalled in Summer League where his feet looked really quick staying with a guy driving down from the 3 point line. But in these pre-season games, to me, he has not looked like a super coordinated dude. A couple blocks here and there and a couple nicely executed turn around Js notwithstanding.
Good. Glad he's staying with our farm system. Hopefully since we gave him the opportunity when no one else did, he'll give us the first chance to sign him if he develops to the point of deserving a roster spot.
Too late for me..... no more "FIX Upshaw" in my sig. Am more enjoying Kobe's random "lights out" highlights at Staples.
