When the 2015 NBA Draft came to a close, there were several outstanding talents still left on the board. One of them was Washington big man Robert Upshaw, who shortly after agreed to spend the Summer League playing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While it will certainly be an uphill climb for the former Husky, Upshaw has the potential to develop into a key piece for the Lakers.
Upshaw failed to hear his name called on June 25 for two reasons. The first was a heart condition that was discovered during the pre-draft process, which scared away many of his potential suitors. The second is an off-the-court history that made most NBA GMs take him off their boards.
The first reason was found in early June, when NBA Combine doctors flagged Upshaw with a heart problem. Tests eventually came back negative, but it’s certainly something that could creep up on him as he begins his adventure into the NBA.
The second reason may prove to be the much bigger hurdle for Upshaw.
Upshaw originally begin his college basketball career at Fresno State, where he was recruited as a Top-50 prospect. Unfortunately, issues away from the hardwood forced the coaching staff to call it quits on him before his freshman year was over.
From there, Upshaw took his talents to Washington, where he again struggled to stay out of trouble off the court. He was asked to stay away from the team midway through his first year with the Huskies, and was kicked off the team in January of his second year after emerging as a force in the paint.
Upshaw never disclosed to the public why he was removed from both teams, but wasn’t going to let his issues deter him from pursuing his NBA dreams.
Instead of admitting defeat, Upshaw spent the last few months working on himself – getting help for his drug and alcohol problems and removing the cancers that had previously invaded his life. Now with the Lakers, Upshaw will get one more opportunity to prove that he can keep his off-the-court life in check and make basketball his top priority.
When he isn’t causing problems, Upshaw possesses the talent to be a dominant defender down low. He’s among the best shot blockers in the 2015 draft class, with a 9’5’’ wingspan and the instincts to keep opponents in check. If he can keep his head on straight, Upshaw could quickly develop into a defensive star for Los Angeles.
If he buckles down and plays to his potential – and that’s a big “if” – Upshaw could be the next great big man to don the purple and gold.