In a deal long ago reported as done, the Lakers have officially announced the re-signing of big man Tarik Black. From the team’s press release:
“Tarik is a player whose strengths are well-suited for the style of play we envision for our team going forward,” said Kupchak. “He plays the game with a mix of athleticism, energy, and physicality that make him a valuable frontcourt contributor in today’s NBA.”
In two seasons with the Lakers, Black has averaged 5.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 16.9 per game while shooting 57.5% from the field over 77 games (27 starts). Awarded to the Lakers on a waiver claim on December 28, 2014, he also appeared in 25 games (12 starts) for the Houston Rockets to begin the 2014-15 season before being waived.
When this deal was initially announced, the crux of my analysis was as follows:
Lakers’ fans should be familiar enough with Black’s skill set, but if there are any questions as to why he’s such a good fit with this group, one only need to see how he attacks the rim as a roll man in the P&R and how hard he works defensively to protect the paint and to get after rebounds on both backboards. Black still has a ways to go in terms of developing the type of craftiness undersized big men like him need to be full time rotation players, but what he lacks in savvy he makes up for with a high motor and by always playing hard.
While Black is a strong fit for how the Lakers want to play, time will tell how much floor time he actually sees. As we know, the Lakers recently signed Yi Jianlian to a contract which could be worth up to $8 million. Yi, of course, joins Timofey Mozgov and rookie Ivica Zubac as other bigs who were added this summer. Combine those three with Julius Randle and Larry Nance, Jr. and the team has 6 players who will compete for playing time at the PF/C spots — and this doesn’t even include Luol Deng (or Brandon Ingram) who could be slotted at PF in small-ball lineups.
Regardless of this potential logjam, Black will get his chance to prove he deserves minutes. This was apparently promised to him as part of his agreement to return, not to mention Walton has a history with Black from when Walton served as an assistant coach during part of Black’s time at the University of Memphis. This doesn’t guarantee Black a role, but it should ensure he gets a fair shot at earning a rotation spot.
Ultimately, I do believe this type of competition will help this team in the long term even if, in the short term, it creates a challenge for the coaches when trying to manage roles and keep players happy while still maintaining buy-in. This is the balance which must be struck, though, and it is up to everyone — coaches and players alike — to continue to be flexible and ready to shift things around in order to maximize the play of the entire group.
Lastly, now that Black is on board, there is little left on the Lakers’ plate in terms of moves to be made. Black’s signing brings the team to 15 roster spots and while there will be additional signings for training camp, the likelihood any of those players make the team will be slim. Those odds could change if Nick Young is waived or traded, but until that actually happens (which I think it will), this is the team the Lakers are very likely to start the season with.
Pbz06 says
I chuckled a little bit when reading Mitch’s comment (“He plays the game with a mix of athleticism, energy, and physicality that make him a valuable frontcourt contributor in today’s NBA”).
We all saw that except for Byron Scott. Can’t believe he said the exact opposite. None of us expected Black to become a Savior or anything more than a quality backup, but my goodness he deserved a longer look and did nothing but show promise and we all wanted to see what he can do in a bigger role.
I’m glad he will now at least have a chance for a fair shot with a real coach.
Clay Bertrand says
Pbz06
I think what Mitch is TRYING to say, is that TODAY’S NBA, where Tarik is “valuable” is TOTALLY DIFFERENT from the NBA of WAYYYYYYY BACK IN uhhhhh April.
TODAYS NBA after all has a Lakers team with Luke Walton as Head Coach. A FEW MONTHS AGO’s NBA had Byron Scott at the helm………..boy the NBA sure has changed!!
Mid Wilshire says
I truly believe that Tarik Black can help this team. In today’s NBA, all teams seem to need a quality backup (and occasionally small-ball) center — one who is mobile, rebounds, plays solid D, and works well with his guards on the pick-and-roll.
If Tarik plays, say 18 minutes per game, I think he can average 6 and 6, maybe a bit better. And his defensive stats, I’m sure, will continue to be rock-solid. Some times, this is more important than having a “stretch 5,” especially if you have other shooters on the team.
I truly expect Tarik to get a fair shake from Luke Walton. And if he does, I think he’ll do fine. After spending a year, inexplicably, in Byron’s doghouse, he’s probably chomping at the bit. Who could blame him?
J C hoops says
Great to see Tarik signed. As the other commenters said, he deserves it. He gets a nice raise in pay too.
This kinda seems like a reversal from letting guys like Ed Davis get away, and it’s another positive sign the franchise seems to doing things a little differently than they have the last couple years. Byron’s faulty approach had been matched by the FO.
Can’t wait to feel the vibe of the team under Luke come October.
MT87 says
I’m really glad for Black. He didn’t get a fair shake last year even though its clear that he can play and deserves time on the court. I don’t think he gets very much in the way of minutes (10-15) but he is good at rolling hard to the basket and can play good enough D as a backup center which is always needed. It looks like the Lakers are planning to have a lot of different looks to throw at the opposition off the bench and he can be a part of many of them. I would love to see something unorthodox like Randle and Black running the pick and roll together with shooters spacing the floor.
JuanJ says
and it is up to everyone — coaches and players alike — to continue to be
flexible and ready to shift things around in order to maximize the play
of the entire group.
___
Key point, & in no small measure either.
___
IMO, Tarik is gonna prove to be a solid contributor, and occasional big-play maker, for us – way to go Lakers
CristoferDAmigo says
The General Manager should be deciding who plays but Mitchell Kupchak is trying to destroy the Lakers.
matt24 says
Give byron a break he really thought roy hibbert was going to have a miraculous turnaround after the all star break
BigCitySid10552 says
CristoferDAmigo Not sure I understand your statement. Please explain.
matt24 says
With all the hype behind festus ezeli, coming into free agency could it be that tarik black is better
A Horse With No Name says
CristoferDAmigo And the earth is flat and 3000 years old.
matt24 says
Tarik black is a prime example of byron scott’s coaching blunders, here’s a player who looked like he was fearing not even making the team last preseason, and during the season didn’t look like he belonged on the team, all because of in my opinion byron scott breathing down his neck, tarik could not loosing up, his teammates seem to respect him and see potential, but the coach sees only the inexperience and mistakes that should be expected.
After saying all that it blows my mind that the general manager has enough faith in the guy to resign him and give him a fat raise, even though he barely played. If this guy has a great season byron scott needs to hide under a rock.
ED 10 says
I think Black and his physical style is a good pairing with Yi. Nance will be challenged to stay in the rotation.
CristoferDAmigo says
Your with Mitchell Kupchak? Because your trying to confuse people. Jeanie and her family are the owners of the Lakers, not you. Stay away. God bless you. God has a plan and it’s not your plan. I should be the General Manager of the Lakers but I haven’t got a reply yet. I don’t guarantee winning.
CristoferDAmigo says
Lou, Nicholas and Julius should be traded.
Clay Bertrand says
OT but I applaud the creativity of the FO for the structuring of Jianlan’s contract. I had been waiting for a summary of the intricacies of this deal and from what I can see, this wasn’t the doings of CHAZZ THE BARTENDER………… There are some brains in the FO believe it or not.
This piece linked by Darius on his twitter account comes from a good source for this type of subject matter and the author notes the uniqueness of the deal as having not been seen before.
Pretty mundane reading but if you are interested, it is very informtative.
https://capstrategist.com/2016/08/25/yi-jianlian-contract-breakdown/
Eric Pincus has touched on SOME aspects of the deal as well via twitter but this is the best complete write up on this creative manipulation of the rules I have yet seen. The trade scenario options are very interesting.
Clay Bertrand says
matt24
Festus was a guy I did not favor us going after because of his knee issues. Now he has had injections in his knee the last day or so and cannot work out for 6-8 weeks. This guy is a YOUNG player too!!!! Bad knees in after playing only 3 years AND SITTING OUT ONE WHOLE YEAR doesn’t bode well for the guys longevity. He’s likely not very long for the league it would seem. Knees don’t get better in this game.
Apparently, Portland MUST have a broken down big man on their roster. Its as if “broken down big man” is an actual POSITION on the team! They just CAN’T GET ENOUGH of rickety, oft injured Big Men: Bill Walton, Sam Bowie, Greg Oden, Meyers Leonard, Festus Ezeli…………maybe they should just keep drafting and signing GUARDS…….they seem to be much better at that.
MT87 says
matt24 I gotta agree with Clay about Ezeli. Black is going to have a better year just by virtue of playing more games.
Clay Bertrand says
CristoferDAmigo
This exchange got a little weird……… LOL……….
Good Luck with your Lakers career opportunity my friend. Clearly your guidance is needed in the Front Office. I am sure they are just finishing up the details on your contract……they’ll be getting back to you soon.
PS: Thanks for calling this out. I myself was VERY confused…….Here I thought Horse was the owner of the Lakers!!!! Now I find this is not the case………. Bummer…… ; )
A Horse With No Name says
Clay Bertrand Good find. Nice cap site put up by the young fella. Soon as I understood the craftiness of this contract, I said to myself: “Ah, the fine Italian hand of Chazz is all over this one….” Brilliant hire by Jim!
A Horse With No Name says
Clay Bertrand “Good find” @ Darius!