The Future Of Tarik Black
By Chris Walton
The Los Angeles Lakers are sitting pretty going into the 2015 NBA Draft. The team currently has the league’s fourth-worst record, on pace to keep their first rounder that would otherwise go to the Phoenix Suns. Ideally, the team will draft a young prospect to combine with Jordan Clarkson and the injured Julius Randle.
That scenario isn’t in conventional fashion for the team, but this is the route they should take to build for the future. Besides, how else do they expect to follow their pipedreams of acquiring Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook after 2015?
As discussed earlier this week, the Detroit Pistons created a interesting chain of events for the Lakers. Their seven-game winning streak strengthened the Lakers’ draft position, and with the Houston Rockets claiming Smith off the waivers, it provided them a talented prospect. To create a roster spot, the Rockets waived big man Tarik Black.
The rookie has flashed potential in his short career, mostly during Dwight Howard’s absence. Black started 12 games for the Rockets, after the team picked him up as an undrafted free agent. At 23-years old, he is an ideal fit for the team’s frontline. He brings lots of activity and strength at the center position.
The best part is his contract-friendly salary, making just over $500,000 this season and $845,059 next year.
Friday night’s matchup against the Orlando Magic must have left Lakers’ General Manager Mitch Kupchak smiling like the orchestrator that he has proven to be. Black saw limited minutes in the fourth quarter, but he made his presence felt as soon as he touched the court. In 17 minutes, he posted a near double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds.
]Hustle, touch around the rim, and some impressive blocks were on all display by Black.
With the February trade deadline approaches, bigs like Ed Davis and Jordan Hill may be in trade talks in the coming weeks. Black is good insurance in either player is lost via trade. The Lakers aren’t remotely close to title contention, so the development of a future piece should be a top priority.
When Julius Randle returns from injury, the combination with Black will be loads of fun for fans to watch. Their skillsets seem to be complimentary to each other. The two can gobble rebounds and use their abilities to step beyond the paint to punish slower frontlines. Imagine the rim-rattling that the two could do together, as well. Lots of teams will feel the pain next season.
As many seen in the few games that he has played, Julius Randle is as NBA-ready as can be. Randle plays a more versatile style of basketball than Black, but he shows similar strength. He is strong and active enough to play the paint, but has enough ball-handling and speed to dabble on the perimeter, mainly inside the three-point line.
Black is a bruiser and is effective around the rim. He rolls well off of pick and rolls, and can mix it up on the inside with the best of them. Physicality will be Black’s bread and butter. When you imagine both of their games, it sounds like a sight to see. Of course Black will need to prove he is more than just hustle, and he will look to have a long career doing just that.