Report: Robert Upshaw signs 2-year deal with Lakers
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This always seemed the likely course after Robert Upshaw went undrafted on June 25.
Dismissed from Fresno state and then dismissed from Washington, and with a heart issue raising a medical red flag (he was later cleared), Upshaw was deemed too risky to use a pick on, despite obvious appeal as a prospect. That immediately made the center one of the most intriguing undrafted free agents, and may have been a positive for him, as he was free to find the right team environment to help him reach his potential.
It didn't take long for Upshaw to find that home, and it's one that comes with a fairly clear path to playing time.
After catching on with the Los Angeles Lakers for Las Vegas Summer League and impressing in his debut Friday, Upshaw has reached a two-year deal with the Lakers, according to a report from Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group.
The deal includes a partial guarantee for 2015-16 with a non-guaranteed 2016-17, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN, which is a typical setup for this type of flier. Upshaw is paid a partial guarantee to coerce him to sign with L.A., and the Lakers get an inexpensive opportunity to test him out, but can cut bait without much cost at any point - an important consideration for a player who has had off-court issues.
It could represent a huge value, too. Upshaw has a ridiculous 7-foot-5.5 wingspan and a 9-foot-5 standing reach, and he turned away 4.5 shots per game this season while finishing strong around the rim. His offensive game is fairly raw, but his rim protection alone makes him worth taking a flier on, and he's a strong rebounder.
Upshaw was flashing that shot-blocking ability Friday against No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns, erasing a layup attempt:
He finished the game with two points, one rebound, three blocks, and six fouls in 13 minutes, speaking to both what he brings to the table and the work left to come.
You can read more about Upshaw in our pre-draft scouting report.