Hop on to the back, triboy. I'll be driving this bandwagon to New York and I'm glad I'm getting someone who's going to ride along.
I've said all this time that from where we are picking, he's one if not the only one with star potential. The red flags are indeed something to work with, but we are in a very unique situation in which we can take a gamble on a kid since we still have plenty of chips to cash if we lose the gamble, but if we win, we'll take the house with us.
Upshaw's basement should EASY be Festus Ezeli. A guy who will get 10 minutes and be a bothersome big who will clog the lane, use his length to bother some 2nd unit shots and give the starting Center a good breather. That's his worst case scenario (of course I'm talking on court). At best, you'll get as close if not another Hassan Whiteside, double double Center, averaging 2-3 blocks per game with solid inside game.
We absolutely should pick him if he's there at #16. Why settle for safe, potential role players when we can get a potential starter and a star, and just work with the baggage and make sure we got a group who's willing to help him along the way. I'd cry if we don't take him at #16 and he's available. I really would.