Lakers Draft Evaluations: Comparing Then & Now

March 16, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Tarik Black (28) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12, right) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Tarik Black

NBA Comparison: Kenneth Faired (by Byron Scott)

Strengths:

“Black has the bulk to establish deep post position and did a pretty regular basis last season, despite not having the personnel needed to get him the ball in a position to score on a consistent basis… works extremely hard to carve out superior position, where his big, strong hands, improving footwork and propensity for finishing above the rim through contact…”

Weaknesses:

“He does not posses a wide array of post moves at this stage, but isn’t afraid to battle inside the paint… Black didn’t show any time of face-up game as a freshman, being more of an undersized center than a true power forward as his height would indicate. He doesn’t know anything in the way of ball-handling skills or jump-shot, things he’ll need to develop down the road if he’s to become a more versatile offensive threat.”

How accurate was his evaluation?

Black was largely a question mark when he joined the Lakers, but soon turned out to be a pleasant surprise and a fan-favorite. As a Laker in 38 games, Black averaged 7.2 points and brought down 6.3 rebounds per game. On top of that, Black’s PER was 16.3 in his 38 games in purple and gold, and finished with a WS/48 of .129. Black’s DBPM was a low -0.2, but was a big improvement from his time in Houston, where he finished with a DBPM of -1.3. Black is only 23 and has shown to be the second most promising Laker last season, behind Jordan Clarkson. Black is back on the Lakers next year at a cheap price of $1.18 million.

Next: Former Lakers & Their Draft Evaluations