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Los Angeles Lakers: Marcelo Huertas A Virtual Roster Lock

By Chris Walton

Oct 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcelo Huertas (9) and Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) reach for the ball in a NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcelo Huertas (9) and Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) reach for the ball in a NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marcelo Huertas was a surprise signing for the Los Angeles Lakers for a variety of reasons. Huertas’ departure from overseas may be the primary reason that comes to mind. Playing in Brazil and Europe, he’s had a fairly decent career as one of their league’s most crafty point guards.

Huertas brings a plethora of experience to the team’s roster. In 2005-06 and 2009-10 he competed in the FIBA Americas Championships. Huertas played in the 2012 Olympic games during his international experience.

Signing Huertas also makes him the league’s oldest rookie at 32 years of age, technically. At this point in his career, it’s interesting to make the decision to come to the NBA. All of these factors combine to make him an intriguing prospect within the team’s season.

One could almost say that Huertas is there to play mentor to rookie D’Angelo Russell. Others may also say that he could hold down the starting spot in case Byron Scott is reluctant to have Russell in the opening lineup. Regardless of his role, he has surely left a lasting impression on the team, solidifying himself beyond his non-guaranteed deal.

Much of Huertas’ preseason has been spent nursing a hamstring injury, but the time he’s played has been riveting. Aside from a natural ability to orchestrate an offense, Huertas has entertained fans with his nifty passing.

Most of his work has been done with the Lakers’ second unit. The stats aren’t eye-popping (six points and six assists per game), but again, it’s his creativeness and IQ that allows him to put his imprints on the game.

Check out plays like this ridiculous dime to Nick Young:

Only a handful of guys in the league can make that pass. On top of its flair, the move was also a perfect way to set up one of the Lakers’ best scorers.

While the team has plenty of capable guards that can handle the ball and initiate offense, it helps mightily that Huertas is the team’s only natural point guard on the roster. The skill and experience he brings could be the perfect complement to Russell’s learning curve. The team can add him to their other veteran group to mentor their young core.

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Aside from his play and experience fitting the team’s need, the Lakers have Huertas in a cap-friendly deal. The signing was not only non-guaranteed, but it comes in at the rookie minimum of $525,000. Both Michael Frazier and Robert Upshaw have been waived, which makes it all the more obvious of the Lakers’ intention to retain Huertas.

On top of the team’s most recent cuts, injuries have also bolstered the likelihood of Huertas locking in on the team’s roster. Jonathan Holmes went down with a separated shoulder a few nights ago, and was followed by Jordan Clarkson’s sprained shoulder. With Clarkson being a big part of the Lakers offense, we could be seeing Huertas play a bigger role, maybe even as a starter.

Regardless of where he may find himself, all that matters is that Huertas’ leap of faith to come to the NBA looks to be paying off. The rest of his time lies on his shoulders to make good on his decision.

Next: NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

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