I feel like you're forgetting what he looked like when he was on the floor in pre-season. He wasn't slow in general, but he was incredibly slow to react to things. He might be alright one day, but the D-League is definitely where he belongs.
First D-Fenders game is today against Reno. the D-League website says fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBADLeague.com. Does anyone know if it's free?
This. As much as we think he would improve things for us. His learning curve is going to take some time to adjust to the higher rate and speed of the game. The skills and talent are there though.
Been following this D-fenders game. Dreadful style of play. Mostly good for conditioning and not much else. Upshaw has 9 points (3-7 shooting), 4 boards, and 2 blocks in 10 minutes right now.
Defenders 123 - Reno Big Horns 121 Bob wound up with 11 points on 4-8, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in 16 minutes. http://dleague.nba.com/games/20151113/LADRNO/ Full box score ^^^
I want to see what Upshaw can do in the D-league. In particular, I want to see how much scoring and hustle he can generate. He was abysmal at scoring and poor at hustle stats in preseason with the Lakers. In Game 1, he posted 6.8 scoring (which is crazy good, and it's likely unsustainable for him; I'll be happy if he can keep it above 5.0). He didn't hand out an assist, so his passing efficiency is estimated at a poor 1.18. His hustle was 4.2, off the charts. His positional efficiency was 108.0. Great game 1. http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/...akers-robert-upshaw-highlights-dunk-d-fenders
Missed the first Q, but Upshaw has 6 points, 3 boards, and a block in the first quarter. 2-2 shooting, 2-2 FTs. Five minutes.
Some things I'm looking for from Upshaw - boxing out, going after the board, bodying up on defense. He's going after rebounds more actively, which I'm thrilled to see. He had a ball stripped, but he also knocked the ball away from a 6'10", 265 pound C on a post entry pass. He took a 10 footer, as the shot clock ran down, missed it, but he followed his shot (didn't get the board).
Checked in at 1:12 left in the first half - immediately closed on a G and forced a really high arcing shot that missed.
Upshaw at the half: 8 minutes, 2-3 FG, 2-2 FT, 6 points, 4 boards (1 offensive), 2 blocks, 1 steal, 1 TO, and a team high +11 +/-.
Gave up his dribble a bit early, passed to a G. The G drove and got fouled, but Upshaw had already followed and grabbed the board. I'm digging seeing that.
One thing a player won't build in the d-league is communication ability with the Lakers. He's starting to talk to his guards a bit - mostly after plays. Would like to see that done during play more.
