July 16, 2012

Robert Sacre - Summer League Update




Robert Sacre is known for having a personality as large as his giant 7 foot frame; he is often seen as the jokester of the Gonzaga family – jesting with officials, playing pranks on his teammates, and being a genuinely happy-go-lucky guy.  But many questioned if he had the talent to be successful in the NBA. 

He quietly passed the first test, getting picked as the 60th draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers.  The second test will come in Summer League Play.  Summer League typically gives players a chance to prove their worth against other top rookies, and younger NBA bench players.  If a player performs well, he can hopefully garner a spot in the regular season line-up.

Game 1 (Friday, July 13):
Robert Sacre’s first game in Summer League Play was against Golden State.  He received a substantial amount of playing time with 27 minutes on the floor where he scored 4 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and had a blocked shot.

Chuck Person, the Laker’s Summer League Coach had this to say about Robert, “He did some good things.  He guarded the post well, and he did a good job of getting position.  He needs to rebound a little better, but that will come.  We drafted him because we like his size.  He’s a big guy who’s not afraid to get in there and mix it up.  He’s also a smart player, and in the short time he’s been with us, I’d say he’s ahead of the curve when it comes to learning what it’s all about at this level.”



Game 2 (Saturday, July 14):
Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings, Sacre took heed to his coach’s critique and stepped up his rebounding game.  In 33 minutes of action, Sacre scored 11 points and posted a team-high of 10 rebounds.  

“I’m trying to know my role and figure out what my teammates need me to do.  That’s my main focus.  Everybody’s got to find their niche.  We have to learn to work with one another and fit in together”, said Robert following the loss to Sacramento.

From a fan perspective viewing his second game, I felt Sacre’s size translated well to the NBA.  For the most part, he was the largest body on the floor and he had confidence to use it as he was consistently banging around the paint.  The announcers seemed intrigued by him as well and commented that he seemed to really enjoy pushing others around the court.  He also maintained his endearing demeanor, as every time the camera panned to his face, you could see that slightly devilish ear-to-ear grin.

My biggest criticism of Big Rob has always been his rebounding, or lack of it in most cases.  He was always the biggest player on the court, and he often struggled to grab more than 6 rebounds.  Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised to see this game.  Robert was making it his mission to go after every missed shot and to block out.  If he continues to improve his rebounding, he could be a viable bench player for the LA Lakers this upcoming season.


What do you think of Sacre’s chances in the NBA?  Will he be successful with the Lakers? 

3 comments:

Gonzagapride said...

I want to hope that Big Rob can make enough of an impression to stay with the Lakers. I wasn't too sure at the end of the season if he would get drafted.

If nothing else, you know that he will have a good time trying. Good luck Robert.

Unknown said...

As of now, Sacre looks to be right on the bubble for making the Laker's roster, along with Free Agent Jordan Hill and draftee Darius Johnson-Odom, who are also in the mix.

While Sacre has performed well so far, Darius Johnson-Odom has been inconsistant in Summer League. I give the edge to Sacre.

As such, it may come down to whether free agent Jordan Hill wants to test the free agency market. He did well on the glass last season for LA. If he stays, it gets very dicey for Rob.

Who knows, maybe with the signing of another Canadian, Steve Nash, it could help put big Rob over the top.

My money is that Robert Sacre's odds of making LA's roster are currently 50/50.

Best of luck to him!!~

Unknown said...

Nice write up Brianna!