One of the biggest names to not be drafted was Washington center, Robert Upshaw. Despite being the nation’s best shot blocker, Upshaw was kicked off of both the Washington and Fresno State basketball teams, causing him to slide completely out of the draft.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
Upshaw will get his chance to prove he can keep his head on straight and be an NBA player as he is part of the Los Angeles Lakers Summer League team. According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, Upshaw plans on making a roster and hopes it is the Lakers:
Robert Upshaw: "I do plan to be on a team by the end of the summer…Hopefully it's the Lakers, I really like it here."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 7, 2015
Upshaw admitted that he was not mature while he was at Washington and seems to understand that he probably will not get many chances if he does not catch on somewhere this summer via Winters:
What's changed now for Robert Upshaw? "This time seems real, it really does. It seems like, if I don’t make this, I’m done."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 7, 2015
The Lakers could surely use someone like Upshaw as his defense and rebounding would be welcome additions to a team in need of help in both of those areas. Upshaw has all of the physical tools of an NBA center. He is a legit seven-footer with an outstanding 7’5.5 wingspan. He averaged 4.5 blocks and 8.2 rebounds in only 25 minutes a night for Washington.
He obviously must get his off-court issues in order before he will be able to truly contribute for an NBA team, but if he is able to do so, he could represent an absolute steal for the Lakers as an undrafted player.
[divide]Check Out This Footage of Robert Upshaw