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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
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 Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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| pio2u wrote: | | foshowtime wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Love&Peace wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | Seems like Mitch is taking his time in order to give Upshaw a chance to prove he will remain focused on the right things through training camp. No use locking up a roster position if he can't even get through October. Unless, of course, you want to please all the fans demanding closure this very second. |
Or unless you want to let another team steal him if that's the plan!
I'm not as worried about not signing him yet under your scenario but Mitch's comments the other day along with not having him locked up do! |
It's apparent that the FO plan isn't too concerned about another team stealing him. I would like him to be signed as well. If it hasn't happened yet then I'm assuming there is still some concern on either Upshaw's conditioning, off-court stuff or something else. I trust them to figure it out and do the right thing in due time. |
Yeah its just Upsaw, a guy not even good enough to be drafted. I mean i like the guys game but its not like he's a first round draft pick. If another team snags him at least we have an open spot just incase someone get cut. |
You are undervaluing him. The chance to nab a lottery player that went undrafted for peanuts....much less a big man....is not an opportunity to let slip away. An open slot is not going to get us a player with Upshaw's upside!! |
I dont like the fact that the Lakers are getting too cute with this. Just freaking sign the guy. Figure out a way to get rid of the excess trash on this team later. |
Agreed; sign him for peanuts and send him to the D-League; win-win situation.
If he fails it won't be such a big lose especially if he doesn't pan out in the minors. |
Mitch is seemingly considering either Seraphan and Upshaw
It appears that if Upshaw can prove that his head is on right, he is on the roster
http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2015/08/01/robert-upshaw-must-stay-out-of-trouble-to-make-los-angeles-lakers-roster/
If Mitch is considering Seraphan, he must be hoping that he can move Sacre, that would also open a roster spot
Teams could have drafted Upshaw in the 2nd round with little risk
Since very few teams have an interest in a legitimate low post game - along with Memphis - it makes sense for Upshaw and Lakers to be together.
If Upshaw believes he can get better mentoring/teaching somewhere else and that team is able to spend the necessary time while waiting for him to develop his skills - so be it. I don't see what other team would want to play that way.
Personally, I prefer developing a system that suits the players on the roster that also can destroy the other teams because they are not used to the bruising style.
The teams that are usually in the running have some sort of low post threats
Spurs
Cavs
Grizzlies
Clips
Bulls |
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madd_game08
Starting Rotation
Joined: 14 Jul 2014
Posts: 114
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| Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 2:22 am Post subject: |
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| 22 wrote: | yes, he needs strength, conditioning, and NBA experience. All we have to do is sign him send him to the D league, get him a locker next to Hibbert, and keep Kareem around.
It'll pay off in a few seasons. Took Gobert a year or so to get it together |
BTW, anyone remember the game in March against the jazz where Clarkson and Tarik Black just totally outplayed Exum and Gobert?
Idk the stat lines outside of Gobert basically laying an egg with 3 pts and exum did lay an egg (0 points) but Black had 13 & 10
I think Clarkson was 8pts 8 assists...
then there was the game against the mavs in april where tarik started and he posted 19 boards against Tyson Chandler.
Not saying Tarik is the C of the future - he is severely undersized. But you dont just post 19 boards (much less against Chandler) unless you have potential in this leaque.
Just pointing this out bc while I am intrigued by the potential of Upshaw and his obvious physical gifts, we have a blue collar guy on the squad that has already proven himself against NBA competition. |
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Shaqman55
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Joined: 28 Dec 2004
Posts: 315
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| Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 5:37 am Post subject: |
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The world works in strange ways so you can't discount anything.
If Upshaw pans out, he may end up being the team's best player. He has that kind of potential! In fact, this is a complete crap shoot when it's all said and done. He might be the best player in the NBA and he might be out of the league by next year...
Dlo Our #2 pick, could very well end up being a bust/journeyman player, along with Clarkson, JR while Rob turns into an allstar and DPOY level player.
The next three to five years is anyone's guess. I hope he ends up being at least a solid player... Defensive specialist type and we become a decent team.
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Eindhoven
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Joined: 14 Jul 2015
Posts: 1930
Location: Zürich
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| Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 5:42 am Post subject: |
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Unfortunately, no news, as they are speculating as much as we are. Seems to be the most likely scenario, though: Upshaw has until training camp, not only to stay out of trouble, but showing some evolution from the out of shape Upshaw we saw in Vegas. Safe play. |
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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6144
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| Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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| madd_game08 wrote: | | 22 wrote: | yes, he needs strength, conditioning, and NBA experience. All we have to do is sign him send him to the D league, get him a locker next to Hibbert, and keep Kareem around.
It'll pay off in a few seasons. Took Gobert a year or so to get it together |
BTW, anyone remember the game in March against the jazz where Clarkson and Tarik Black just totally outplayed Exum and Gobert?
Idk the stat lines outside of Gobert basically laying an egg with 3 pts and exum did lay an egg (0 points) but Black had 13 & 10
I think Clarkson was 8pts 8 assists...
then there was the game against the mavs in april where tarik started and he posted 19 boards against Tyson Chandler.
Not saying Tarik is the C of the future - he is severely undersized. But you dont just post 19 boards (much less against Chandler) unless you have potential in this leaque.
Just pointing this out bc while I am intrigued by the potential of Upshaw and his obvious physical gifts, we have a blue collar guy on the squad that has already proven himself against NBA competition. |
There have been numerous successful undersized centers that were very proficient on getting rebounds and playing D. Examples include Ben Wallace and Dave Cowens who were very consistent in their production that Black has yet produced |
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BennyLava
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Joined: 14 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:06 pm Post subject: |
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| As long as sacre is on the roster, there is no reason not to sign upshaw, even if he falls of the wagon every week. |
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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6144
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| Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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| Eindhoven wrote: | | Unfortunately, no news, as they are speculating as much as we are. Seems to be the most likely scenario, though: Upshaw has until training camp, not only to stay out of trouble, but showing some evolution from the out of shape Upshaw we saw in Vegas. Safe play. |
It appears that a roster spot is there for him to lose
How will Upshaw embrace and capitalize on this opportunity? |
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lakersboy
Star Player
Joined: 20 Jul 2006
Posts: 8518
Location: Left coast
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| Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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| This situation reminds me of Bynum being on the Lakers. Kobe used to drive close to the basket and when a crowd came, he gave the ball to Bynum under the basket for an easy dunk. I think Kobe will love having Upshaw around to do that, but I don't know if Upshaw has the hands that Bynum did. |
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venturalakersfan
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Joined: 14 Apr 2001
Posts: 144464
Location: The Gold Coast
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 11:13 am Post subject: |
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| kobe_luver wrote: | | Love&Peace wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | Seems like Mitch is taking his time in order to give Upshaw a chance to prove he will remain focused on the right things through training camp. No use locking up a roster position if he can't even get through October. Unless, of course, you want to please all the fans demanding closure this very second. |
Or unless you want to let another team steal him if that's the plan!
I'm not as worried about not signing him yet under your scenario but Mitch's comments the other day along with not having him locked up do! |
It's apparent that the FO plan isn't too concerned about another team stealing him. I would like him to be signed as well. If it hasn't happened yet then I'm assuming there is still some concern on either Upshaw's conditioning, off-court stuff or something else. I trust them to figure it out and do the right thing in due time. |
Yeah its just Upsaw, a guy not even good enough to be drafted. I mean i like the guys game but its not like he's a first round draft pick. If another team snags him at least we have an open spot just incase someone get cut. |
You are undervaluing him. The chance to nab a lottery player that went undrafted for peanuts....much less a big man....is not an opportunity to let slip away. An open slot is not going to get us a player with Upshaw's upside!! |
Lottery players do no go undrafted, he was not drafted because the talent didn't exceed the baggage. Even if the Lakers sign him he would be behind Hibbert, Black and Sacre on the depth chart.
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RIP mom. 11-21-1933 to 6-14-2023. |
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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6144
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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| venturalakersfan wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Love&Peace wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | Seems like Mitch is taking his time in order to give Upshaw a chance to prove he will remain focused on the right things through training camp. No use locking up a roster position if he can't even get through October. Unless, of course, you want to please all the fans demanding closure this very second. |
Or unless you want to let another team steal him if that's the plan!
I'm not as worried about not signing him yet under your scenario but Mitch's comments the other day along with not having him locked up do! |
It's apparent that the FO plan isn't too concerned about another team stealing him. I would like him to be signed as well. If it hasn't happened yet then I'm assuming there is still some concern on either Upshaw's conditioning, off-court stuff or something else. I trust them to figure it out and do the right thing in due time. |
Yeah its just Upsaw, a guy not even good enough to be drafted. I mean i like the guys game but its not like he's a first round draft pick. If another team snags him at least we have an open spot just incase someone get cut. |
You are undervaluing him. The chance to nab a lottery player that went undrafted for peanuts....much less a big man....is not an opportunity to let slip away. An open slot is not going to get us a player with Upshaw's upside!! |
Lottery players do no go undrafted, he was not drafted because the talent didn't exceed the baggage. Even if the Lakers sign him he would be behind Hibbert, Black and Sacre on the depth chart. |
Steal a player that nobody wanted to draft?
Upshaw's choices include playing for a lower tier team that will not include have an offense that has an emphasis on having a low post offense threats or a Laker team that does in the NBA's #1 franchise |
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70sdude
Star Player
Joined: 05 Feb 2009
Posts: 4567
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 12:57 pm Post subject: |
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| LongBeachPoly wrote: | | 70sdude wrote: | | LongBeachPoly wrote: | | JerryMagicKobe wrote: | | 70sdude wrote: | I can't think of a US pro sports precedent that lends credence to notions of good outcomes for the club in any type of mid-term or long-term view with regard to keeping a player with as shaky a history as Upshaw. He'll implode.
Don't need the distraction, even a cheap one. |
Odom |
Rodman |
The Worm's aberrant lifestyle problems came after he proved himself on court, not before. |
Oh, you're talking about rookies. Gotcha. I didn't see that parameter.
All I saw was:
Prediction: No good outcomes for the club
Parameters: mid or long term view & shaky history
Does Jason "White Chocolate" Williams fit the parameters?
"In February 1998, however, the University of Florida suspended him for the remainder of the season for marijuana use, after two previous suspensions for the same infraction." |
It seem NBA scouts selected JW with the 7th pick. The whole league passed on Upshaw twice, in 60 picks. Similar ? |
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Wilkes52
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Joined: 02 Jun 2009
Posts: 2415
Location: Far from home
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 2:52 pm Post subject: |
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| Upshaw doesn't seem capable of being a cornerstone to success; he hasn't demonstrated much ability to achieve success for himself on a small scale. He looks like bad news. |
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kobe_luver
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Joined: 08 Feb 2008
Posts: 11644
Location: LA
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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| I'm shocked and saddened by all the comments here that ignore his huge upside and what everyone else saw during SL. Every article I read bragged what a steal it was for us to get him....and bragged about his great play in limited minutes of SL. |
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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6144
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 4:55 pm Post subject: |
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| kobe_luver wrote: | | I'm shocked and saddened by all the comments here that ignore his huge upside and what everyone else saw during SL. Every article I read bragged what a steal it was for us to get him....and bragged about his great play in limited minutes of SL. |
Upshaw definitely has upside.
It would not be wise to also recognize his downside
A roster spot on a NBA roster is invaluable. Given the need to have adequate backup behind Hibbert and that Upshaw is not ready to play significant minutes with the Lakers' current unbalance roster - Mitch is trying to remain flexible as long as he can.
If the Lakers could sign him to a "minor league" contract and have him play in the D League or Europe, that would have been done long ago. |
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waterman40
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Joined: 17 Jun 2003
Posts: 6287
Location: Central Coast
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 6:56 pm Post subject: |
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| I'm rooting for him to make it, people like a redemption story. He has some raw skills, but at this point he just needs to drown his own demons and concentrate on showing he can play. Sacre doesn't look like he can progress much more than a bench and practice player, so there is opportunity - its just can Upshaw take it? |
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pio2u
Retired Number
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
Posts: 54623
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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| If Upshaw can stick and hang around for a couple of seasons he could become a defensive force for the Lakers. I'm pulling for him to get it all together. |
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LA_Lakers_Rule
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Joined: 23 Aug 2004
Posts: 19482
Location: The X-Files
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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| kobe_luver wrote: | | Love&Peace wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | Seems like Mitch is taking his time in order to give Upshaw a chance to prove he will remain focused on the right things through training camp. No use locking up a roster position if he can't even get through October. Unless, of course, you want to please all the fans demanding closure this very second. |
Or unless you want to let another team steal him if that's the plan!
I'm not as worried about not signing him yet under your scenario but Mitch's comments the other day along with not having him locked up do! |
It's apparent that the FO plan isn't too concerned about another team stealing him. I would like him to be signed as well. If it hasn't happened yet then I'm assuming there is still some concern on either Upshaw's conditioning, off-court stuff or something else. I trust them to figure it out and do the right thing in due time. |
Yeah its just Upsaw, a guy not even good enough to be drafted. I mean i like the guys game but its not like he's a first round draft pick. If another team snags him at least we have an open spot just incase someone get cut. |
You are undervaluing him. The chance to nab a lottery player that went undrafted for peanuts....much less a big man....is not an opportunity to let slip away. An open slot is not going to get us a player with Upshaw's upside!! |
BINGO!!!
In my view it makes absolutely no sense at all to not sign him and run the risk of losing him. Frankly I considered the opportunity to even have a chance at him under the circumstances that he could sign with any team a great opportunity... The guy clearly has talent and there aren't that many Centers with his size, talent and potential that can be signed at the relatively low price the Lakers could get him for at this point....
If they lose him considering this current thin roster depth at center would be a huge setback in my view and could potentially be a devastatingly missed opportunity placed right in the Lakers laps for the moment. I see no better opportunity with the potential upside for the price he can be had at this time out there. Absent his personal problems he would have clearly been a top-10 pick in the draft imho. Sure he's raw and needs to develop, so what, he's not going to cost the Lakers a whole lot at this stage so even if he's the 14th player on the bench I say why gamble on the possibility of another team snagging him and losing the opportunity for the Lakers to develop him themselves?
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Good judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. - Will Rogers ...  |
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Lakerpark
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Joined: 09 Nov 2002
Posts: 2117
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2015 8:03 am Post subject: |
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The Lakers need to jettison deadweight like Sacre and Kelly and sign Upshaw who has more potential.
Hibbert - starter
Tarik Black - plays back up center for the small ball lineup
Upshaw - In mentorship program with Kareem if he's healthy enough. Hopefully will be ready to take over for Hibbert in a few years. |
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Four Decade Bandwagon
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Joined: 18 Jul 2014
Posts: 8156
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2015 8:39 am Post subject: |
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| LA_Lakers_Rule wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Love&Peace wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | Seems like Mitch is taking his time in order to give Upshaw a chance to prove he will remain focused on the right things through training camp. No use locking up a roster position if he can't even get through October. Unless, of course, you want to please all the fans demanding closure this very second. |
Or unless you want to let another team steal him if that's the plan!
I'm not as worried about not signing him yet under your scenario but Mitch's comments the other day along with not having him locked up do! |
It's apparent that the FO plan isn't too concerned about another team stealing him. I would like him to be signed as well. If it hasn't happened yet then I'm assuming there is still some concern on either Upshaw's conditioning, off-court stuff or something else. I trust them to figure it out and do the right thing in due time. |
Yeah its just Upsaw, a guy not even good enough to be drafted. I mean i like the guys game but its not like he's a first round draft pick. If another team snags him at least we have an open spot just incase someone get cut. |
You are undervaluing him. The chance to nab a lottery player that went undrafted for peanuts....much less a big man....is not an opportunity to let slip away. An open slot is not going to get us a player with Upshaw's upside!! |
BINGO!!!
In my view it makes absolutely no sense at all to not sign him and run the risk of losing him. Frankly I considered the opportunity to even have a chance at him under the circumstances that he could sign with any team a great opportunity... The guy clearly has talent and there aren't that many Centers with his size, talent and potential that can be signed at the relatively low price the Lakers could get him for at this point....
If they lose him considering this current thin roster depth at center would be a huge setback in my view and could potentially be a devastatingly missed opportunity placed right in the Lakers laps for the moment. I see no better opportunity with the potential upside for the price he can be had at this time out there. Absent his personal problems he would have clearly been a top-10 pick in the draft imho. Sure he's raw and needs to develop, so what, he's not going to cost the Lakers a whole lot at this stage so even if he's the 14th player on the bench I say why gamble on the possibility of another team snagging him and losing the opportunity for the Lakers to develop him themselves? |
You can not dismiss his personal problems though.
The entire reason he was available was because every other GM was concerned enough about those personal problems to pass on him.
Those personal problems were the reason he was kicked off two college programs. And reading between the lines the reason there is a hesitation on the Lakers part in signing him.
If it was as simple as raw talent = sign him . He would have been drafted and signed by now. Completely an assumption, but there has to be more going on then any of us know.
I hope the young man can figure it out. It would be a tremendous story if he makes the team. The talent is there if he can overcome the personal problems.
Sadly there has always been talented players that squandered it all over the elite pick-up courts across America. Can only hope Upshaw can make it. |
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LakerDYnasty72
Star Player
Joined: 18 Jul 2006
Posts: 4570
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2015 10:33 am Post subject: |
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| Four Decade Bandwagon wrote: | | LA_Lakers_Rule wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Love&Peace wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | Seems like Mitch is taking his time in order to give Upshaw a chance to prove he will remain focused on the right things through training camp. No use locking up a roster position if he can't even get through October. Unless, of course, you want to please all the fans demanding closure this very second. |
Or unless you want to let another team steal him if that's the plan!
I'm not as worried about not signing him yet under your scenario but Mitch's comments the other day along with not having him locked up do! |
It's apparent that the FO plan isn't too concerned about another team stealing him. I would like him to be signed as well. If it hasn't happened yet then I'm assuming there is still some concern on either Upshaw's conditioning, off-court stuff or something else. I trust them to figure it out and do the right thing in due time. |
Yeah its just Upsaw, a guy not even good enough to be drafted. I mean i like the guys game but its not like he's a first round draft pick. If another team snags him at least we have an open spot just incase someone get cut. |
You are undervaluing him. The chance to nab a lottery player that went undrafted for peanuts....much less a big man....is not an opportunity to let slip away. An open slot is not going to get us a player with Upshaw's upside!! |
BINGO!!!
In my view it makes absolutely no sense at all to not sign him and run the risk of losing him. Frankly I considered the opportunity to even have a chance at him under the circumstances that he could sign with any team a great opportunity... The guy clearly has talent and there aren't that many Centers with his size, talent and potential that can be signed at the relatively low price the Lakers could get him for at this point....
If they lose him considering this current thin roster depth at center would be a huge setback in my view and could potentially be a devastatingly missed opportunity placed right in the Lakers laps for the moment. I see no better opportunity with the potential upside for the price he can be had at this time out there. Absent his personal problems he would have clearly been a top-10 pick in the draft imho. Sure he's raw and needs to develop, so what, he's not going to cost the Lakers a whole lot at this stage so even if he's the 14th player on the bench I say why gamble on the possibility of another team snagging him and losing the opportunity for the Lakers to develop him themselves? |
You can not dismiss his personal problems though.
The entire reason he was available was because every other GM was concerned enough about those personal problems to pass on him.
Those personal problems were the reason he was kicked off two college programs. And reading between the lines the reason there is a hesitation on the Lakers part in signing him.
If it was as simple as raw talent = sign him . He would have been drafted and signed by now. Completely an assumption, but there has to be more going on then any of us know.
I hope the young man can figure it out. It would be a tremendous story if he makes the team. The talent is there if he can overcome the personal problems.
Sadly there has always been talented players that squandered it all over the elite pick-up courts across America. Can only hope Upshaw can make it. |
Good points in multiple areas of concern. Though I can understand the sign him right now crowd, the snail's pace of the FO is the only prudent approach. He's 6'10 bare footed, long arms, and blocks shots in his sleep, yet he wasn't drafted, and no one's rushing to steal him. Why LG'ers?
Because everyone is willing to let the Lakers take the risk/reward involved. And the Lakers are doing just that....slowly. |
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A Mad Chinaman
Star Player
Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6144
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| Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 12:04 am Post subject: |
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| LakerDYnasty72 wrote: | | Four Decade Bandwagon wrote: | | LA_Lakers_Rule wrote: | | kobe_luver wrote: | | Love&Peace wrote: | | Lakers#1Team wrote: | | kobe_luver"r[quote="Lakers#1Team wrote: | | Seems like Mitch is taking his time in order to give Upshaw a chance to prove he will remain focused on the right things through training camp. No use locking up a roster position if he can't even get through October. Unless, of course, you want to please all the fans demanding closure this very second. |
Or unless you want to let another team steal him if that's the plan!
I'm not as worried about not signing him yet under your scenario but Mitch's comments the other day along with not having him locked up do! |
It's apparent that the FO plan isn't too concerned about another team stealing him. I would like him to be signed as well. If it hasn't happened yet then I'm assuming there is still some concern on either Upshaw's conditioning, off-court stuff or something else. I trust them to figure it out and do the right thing in due time. |
Yeah its just Upsaw, a guy not even good enough to be drafted. I mean i like the guys game but its not like he's a first round draft pick. If another team snags him at least we have an open spot just incase someone get cut. |
You are undervaluing him. The chance to nab a lottery player that went undrafted for peanuts....much less a big man....is not an opportunity to let slip away. An open slot is not going to get us a player with Upshaw's upside!! |
BINGO!!!
In my view it makes absolutely no sense at all to not sign him and run the risk of losing him. Frankly I considered the opportunity to even have a chance at him under the circumstances that he could sign with any team a great opportunity... The guy clearly has talent and there aren't that many Centers with his size, talent and potential that can be signed at the relatively low price the Lakers could get him for at this point....
If they lose him considering this current thin roster depth at center would be a huge setback in my view and could potentially be a devastatingly missed opportunity placed right in the Lakers laps for the moment. I see no better opportunity with the potential upside for the price he can be had at this time out there. Absent his personal problems he would have clearly been a top-10 pick in the draft imho. Sure he's raw and needs to develop, so what, he's not going to cost the Lakers a whole lot at this stage so even if he's the 14th player on the bench I say why gamble on the possibility of another team snagging him and losing the opportunity for the Lakers to develop him themselves? |
You can not dismiss his personal problems though.
The entire reason he was available was because every other GM was concerned enough about those personal problems to pass on him.
Those personal problems were the reason he was kicked off two college programs. And reading between the lines the reason there is a hesitation on the Lakers part in signing him.
If it was as simple as raw talent = sign him . He would have been drafted and signed by now. Completely an assumption, but there has to be more going on then any of us know.
I hope the young man can figure it out. It would be a tremendous story if he makes the team. The talent is there if he can overcome the personal problems.
Sadly there has always been talented players that squandered it all over the elite pick-up courts across America. Can only hope Upshaw can make it. |
Good points in multiple areas of concern. Though I can understand the sign him right now crowd, the snail's pace of the FO is the only prudent approach. He's 6'10 bare footed, long arms, and blocks shots in his sleep, yet he wasn't drafted, and no one's rushing to steal him. Why LG'ers?
Because everyone is willing to let the Lakers take the risk/reward involved. And the Lakers are doing just that....slowly.[/quote]It appears that Upshaw's people are fully aware that the Lakers' opportunity is his best option - by far - and Mitch is very receptive
Like any smart and savvy GM, Mitch wants to see how he competes and maintain maximum flexibility for trades since he has to address the lack of depth at SF and C (hoping that there are better options than Sacre and Black to backup Hibbert) while recognizing the abundance of different types of 4s that are currently on the roster
Some of the major questions Mitch and BScott are facing is
• Swaggy P has his stroke back
• RKelly can be a threat as a Stretch 4
• Has Sacre improved
• The health of Kobe |
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70sdude
Star Player
Joined: 05 Feb 2009
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| Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 6:02 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, the possible success path for Upshaw to becoming a cornerstone for this club is just not apparent to me.
I see a talented kid who'd be a third or fourth string option at center here, sitting on the bench with a history of pot infractions. We have a coach who has trouble relating to defiant players. That just doesn't set up well asl good karma, much less as an option worthy of the bother for this club. |
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yinoma2001
Retired Number
Joined: 19 Jun 2010
Posts: 119487
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| Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 6:05 am Post subject: |
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Sorry y'all, but Upshaw as a "cornerstone" is a bit of a reach for his first year. I think just making the team, and being able to stay on the team and develop is a successful year for him, let alone being a cornerstone player.
Baby steps.
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LA_Lakers_Rule
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Joined: 23 Aug 2004
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Location: The X-Files
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| Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 8:00 am Post subject: |
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| 70sdude wrote: | Yeah, the possible success path for Upshaw to becoming a cornerstone for this club is just not apparent to me.
I see a talented kid who'd be a third or fourth string option at center here, sitting on the bench with a history of pot infractions. We have a coach who has trouble relating to defiant players. That just doesn't set up well asl good karma, much less as an option worthy of the bother for this club. |
Totally disagree, of course it is worth the bother.... it would be worth the bother for just about any team in the NBA that happens to be a sub-500 club without many options to improve in the near term and even more so for a club lacking roster depth at the 5 (all of which applies to the Lakers).... I'm frankly baffled why another club hasn't entered the fray unless perhaps like some have suggested Upshaw and his agent feel this is the best shot for him and their willing to wait for the contract....
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Good judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. - Will Rogers ... |
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70sdude
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| Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:55 am Post subject: |
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| LA_Lakers_Rule wrote: | | 70sdude wrote: | Yeah, the possible success path for Upshaw to becoming a cornerstone for this club is just not apparent to me.
I see a talented kid who'd be a third or fourth string option at center here, sitting on the bench with a history of pot infractions. We have a coach who has trouble relating to defiant players. That just doesn't set up well asl good karma, much less as an option worthy of the bother for this club. |
Totally disagree, of course it is worth the bother.... it would be worth the bother for just about any team in the NBA that happens to be a sub-500 club without many options to improve in the near term and even more so for a club lacking roster depth at the 5 (all of which applies to the Lakers).... I'm frankly baffled why another club hasn't entered the fray unless perhaps like some have suggested Upshaw and his agent feel this is the best shot for him and their willing to wait for the contract.... |
I reckon the other clubs aren't baffled. Better risk/reward combinations are out there. Makes sense to me his past has labeled him with the type of warning signs such that he's gonna have to prove his off court problems are vanquished first, before his rookie NBA contract. Maybe Europe, maybe D-league. It doesn't seem as though it's been potential or upside that's been his problem; it's risk/reward balance. |
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