Tarik Black: Wrecks Shop for the L.A. Defenders (video)
By Mike Garcia
Tarik Black is just getting started. Recently claimed off waivers, Tarik Black provides an authoritative interior game in the painted area.
The L.A. Defenders lost their lead late in the game and lost the game overall, 174-169. Pace was dictated by the Reno Bighorns. The Bighorns try to play a frenetic pace similar to the Loyola Marymount teams of Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers.
Tarik Black contributed with 23 points and 12 rebounds on a series of power dunks in the painted area.
He’s not just dunking in the painted area. He’s throwing it down.
However, in the video, he shows that he’s more than just a finisher. At the 1:00 mark, he took a dribble drive from the high post and attacked the basket with his left. At the 1:25 mark, he got into good post position, and dropped a dime to the cutting Jordan Clarkson for the reverse layup.
Most importantly, at the 1:45 mark, he showed that he had 20′ range. He nailed the jumper and showed good form and follow through.
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That sums up a foundation of skills that he’s working on; attacking the basket off-the-dribble, showing range on his jumpshot, and showing good court awareness.
The acquisition of Tarik Black puts the Lakers in a great position. The team is now more flexible through trades or cap space. Tarik Black executes the same role as Jordan Hill. Both players crash the boards, provide a paint presence, and finish well. Jordan has a better motor in the painted area, while Tarik uses a strong base to create space.
Jordan Hill may be considered trade bait with a salary of $9 million per year for the next two years. He’s having a career year. Tarik Black needs more experience on the NBA floor, and he too could be considered trade bait once his talent starts to polish.
The Lakers picked up an impactful player. Hopefully he continues that kind of impact for the Lakers while the franchise seeks out championship glory in the years to come.