Land 'o Lakers: David Thorpe on Derrick Caracter
by wondahbap on Jul 14, 2010 6:08 PM PDT
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PrintESPN's Land 'o Lakers did an interview with Scouts Inc.'s David Thorpe on the Lakers' 2nd Round Draft pick (#58) Derrick Caracter. Thorpe, who is also director of the Pro Training Center in Clearwater, Florida, where he "oversees the player development program for college and NBA players," knows his stuff and likes what he sees.
Thorpe: "I was really impressed. There's not going to be a lot of guys that Derrick's going to play against that are going to be stronger than him or bigger than him, and Cousins is probably both. In that situation, you look for fight. I thought he really fought. Not only do I not think he gave Cousins an inch, I think he took it personally. Like I can play with this guy, I can pound this guy. That was the mentality."
Now, Summer League success isn't something to usually put a lot of faith in, but take note: Thorpe did this interview after Caracter matched up against the Sacramento's Kings' #5 overall pick DeMarcus Cousins. Our more casual NBA fans probably know him better as top pick John Wall's Kentucky teammate, but make no mistake, Cousins can play. He's expected to be a impact rookie, and it's very encouraging to hear that Caracter is showing first-round talent.
Thorpe: "The guy clearly should have been a first-round pick. A bunch of teams messed up. There’s really no other way of saying it. They couldn’t [look past his history]. And that’s their fault. The league is filled with players that have made bad decisions in their lives, or will make that bad decision while they’re in the NBA. In some respects I actually felt Derrick was less of a risk as a draft pick in the 20’s because he’s already gone through it and come out looking great."
Given the Lakers' salary situation, there's a very good chance both he and Devin Ebanks make the team. Considering the injuries certain Lakers suffer every year (cough, cough Luke and Andrew), no doubt they'll be put in situations to contribute. Needless to say, this is great news to hear. Click here to read the whole post at Land 'o Lakers.
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Raja Bell:
Miami is probably out of the picture
here’s the vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUMzPDCHl5E
Adam Morrison has more rings than Lebron, Bosh, and Wade combined?
great isnt it?
hopefully mitch signs him soon.
Adam Morrison has more rings than Lebron, Bosh, and Wade combined?
it actually is great news
lol he seemed excited in joining the lakers… and as long as Kobe is there to recruit Raja, Buss will have to empty his wallet…
???
LINK?
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
glad the Lakers got him
especially given that Powell and/or Mbenga wont be coming back.
Adam Morrison has more rings than Lebron, Bosh, and Wade combined?
I'm really glad that he's matured
there’s nothing that saddens me more than lost potential
If you wrong us, shall we not revenge? - William Shakespeare
He alternates between solid analysis and bizarre claims
Usually more of the former.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
And Raja Bell is now part of the Jazz
Wow.
What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say "fuddle duddle" or something like that?
Great news!
It’s good that the Lakers now have a PF bruiser along the mold of DeJuan Blair and Paul Milsap. I hope that Caracter can match up well against those undersized but energetic PFs (Craig Smith, Chuck Hayes) that Gasol and Odom often get out-hustled by.
anyone watching the espys?
loving every minute of it
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Thorpe seems to be simplifying it just a tad
I imagine most teams knew what kind of talent that Caracter had. I also imagine most teams didn’t want to risk a first round pick on someone that has felt entitled to a life of riches and fame since he was in middle school, but rarely felt the need to work hard.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely thrilled that we were able to pick him up in the second round, I just don’t think Thorpe is correct in saying that a bunch of teams messed up. Most teams don’t have a genius coach like Phil to help shape a young talent, or a locker room filled with veterans like Kobe, Fish, and Artest that won’t take any of this kids’ crap if he chooses to slack off. I believe Caracter has a great shot at fitting in with our squad, but I think its just as probable that he could have flamed out if he went earlier and to a weaker team.
Thorpe ALWAYS defends guys he's worked with.
Caracter was one of them. That’s why.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
I’m really glad the Lakers took their late picks and chose guys with really high upside who fell out of the first round for this reason or that. Caracter and Ebanks really do look like they’ll be good role players for us this season…which is an awesome find in the 2nd round!
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tweet Tweet.
The guy clearly should have been a first-round pick. A bunch of teams Kahn messed up.
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves
They were afraid of his Caracter issues
I’ll be here all week
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
by KBZ on Jul 14, 2010 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Hope he doesn't cry
When Kobe chews him out…
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves
by angelofdeath on Jul 14, 2010 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions
This is good news...
More big men for the lakers!!! If he shows a hint of attitude… kobe will whoop his a**..
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess."
- Kobe Bryant
time will tell about them
yeah, seem like these 2 guys from the pick is good enough to make the team. most kids just come out of college they are broke so they hustle to get a spot on the team, but you know once the money flow in, pretty girls come in play, the real attitude will show.
Getting a single guy who can make the roster when drafting as late as LA did is awesome.
Getting two is amazing.
Getting two who can contribute meaningfully is pure gravy.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I just can’t see Caracter playing in the Powell role: energy and defense off the bench once and a while. And he doesn’t have quite the kind of lift that is going to make it easy to get his shot off on the block.
Comparing him to D. Blair as Thorpe does is also a big miscomparison. First of all, D. Blair’s MAIN question marks I believe were his knees, not his stomach. And second of all Blair has a tremendous motor on the court, and his a demon rebounder (which he showed in college).
This isn’t to say that Caracter isn’t very skilled. He has looked great in summer league, and seems like something of a steal. But all his young skills don’t quite look like they fit in with a veteran team going after a 3 peat. He isn’t going to be a focus of the offense guy at any of the times he gets in there (and he doesn’t clean that glass at an incredible rate). If Bynum goes down can you really see him on the court with Gasol? I don’t really.
I’ve been very impressed with him, but there is still something very young about his game, and not sure that it is what the Lakers need, especially with the way that Phil feels about worth of rookies.
"...where they don't play with a shot clock." - C. Sager
Who needs MJ
Didn’t see a thread for today’s summer league game, so I’ll remark here… Character is a keeper. He just pulled something I’ve never seen a player that size pull… a layup/hook after switching hands… AFTER he left his feet. That kind of dexterity is something to drool over for a player that size.
I’m finally going to be happy with our 4th big man for the first time in… well, ever?
I like Eubanks too
maybe only because he reminds me of Ariza. I hope the Lakers have a backup plan to replace Kobe when he gets too old to be able to dribble penetrate to the paint. I don’t want to be like many great teams that waits too long before starting to think about the next generation. Doesn’t mean we need to ditch Kobe when he loses his abilities, but find the next player who can fill Kobe’s primary roles in the offense and let him grow from the bench into the starter next to Bynum and maybe Gasol.
Caracter looked decent but he picked up 8 fouls while guarding cousins, and
Cousins got more than double the rebounds.
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