The progression
Man without a number:
The great cheerleader:
Battling Blake Griffin:
Tonight, Robert Sacre gets the regular season start for the LA Lakers. He has gone from the embarrassment of being the only player without a jersey number in training camp (shame on the Lakers), to a seldom used bench ornament (but a spectacular cheerleader), to getting the start tonight against Houston.
Sacre, who had been ping-ponged to the NBA's Developmental League three times already this season was apparently deemed not quite ready for prime time. However, his averages in four games for the D-Fenders have been 11.3 points and 8.5 rebounds, and he scored an impressive 22 points Saturday against Sioux Falls. Pretty good stats so far, but the rookie that hails out of Gonzaga is still very green.
The LA Lakers, a team many thought would vie for another NBA Title, have been in disarray the whole season. The superstar players they brought in to help in this quest have either not gelled of yet, or have suffered injuries. Most recently, Paul Gasol suffered a concussion, Dwight Howard has a torn labrum, and center Jordan Hill has a hip injury.
What this means for Sacre is that, ready or not, he has been catapulted into a starting position. He finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the position of having to be the man in the Lakers's front court.This is a tall order indeed, but also a fantastic opportunity for him. He gets the chance to learn on the fly and prove whether or not he can be successful. Can he? That remains to be seen.
Sacre has a favorite saying, "Water the Bamboo." We will find out in short order if the bamboo's thirst has been quenched.
7 comments:
Gaz!!! Great post and great to read an article by you!
We shall see if Rob can respond! Hope so!
Hey Matt, thanks.
I've had a rough few months with health, incredible work obligations, my comp....but I'm baaaack!!~
GO ZAGS!!~
Rob will give them all he's got. That much is certain. In the end, he may be a very pleasant surprise in LA
Great to have Gaz back!!!
Sounds like Rob had a good start:
http://www.insidesocal.com/lakers/2013/01/09/mike-dantoni-robert-sacre-played-really-well-in-first-nba-start/
mjc
Watched him play against the Spurs. Turned out to be a pretty good game. Duncan is still very formidable. Rob had his hands full on defense.
On the other end of the floor, Rob didn't get much inside but did get some open looks outside (long 2's).
It should be expected that he will struggle. After all, he is a rookie, and the last pick of the NBA draft, right?
This is an incredible chance to get his feet wet and learn as you go. Trial by fire, so to speak.
Let's hope he is a fast learner and makes the most of this opportunity.
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