Robert Upshaw chatter

[celticsclay]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

[celticsclay]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

You are still not answering the question really. You saw all the mock drafts I posted from every site I know that posts them. One had him going at 31. All the others were mid 30's and one low 40. Do you think all these mock drafts are 20 spots off?

If so why do you think that?
If not, why would not be able to get him at 28 when every mock draft has him as available?

[Denis998]

Even without the red flags, I do not see him as a lottery talent. His blocks wont even translate to the NBA, let alone any shred of viable defense. Fab Melo looks like Dwight Howard compared to Upshaw.

[slamtheking]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

sounds like a perfect time for Jim Carrey quote:  "so you're telling me there's a chance?"

about the same odds.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

You are still not answering the question really. You saw all the mock drafts I posted from every site I know that posts them. One had him going at 31. All the others were mid 30's and one low 40. Do you think all these mock drafts are 20 spots off?

If so why do you think that?
If not, why would not be able to get him at 28 when every mock draft has him as available?

No, I'm not saying they are 20 spots off. I'm saying we should reach for him. Every mock draft you posted had him there because they're factoring the red flags and whatever is being said to him by people related to the draft. I'm saying that let's not worry about his past, look at what he can be in the NBA, work with him so his past wont haunt him and reach him at #16. Because compare to anyone else in that spot, he has one if not the most star potential. Not to mention he fills a need for our team. I think I answered that pretty clearly.

And as for waiting at #28, I kept saying that Dallas, Memphis, LA and Portland, all teams have either Free Agent Centers or no Centers that can block shots could be very well in play to snag him in the late 20's. Spurs could be in the mix too. Those are teams that can pick him before we can at #28, so let's take him at #16

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

sounds like a perfect time for Jim Carrey quote:  "so you're telling me there's a chance?"

about the same odds.

LOL. True. But a chance none the less. 4 teams picking before us have no Centers.

Also, I learned that pasting the link straight instead of adding the [url] thingy would make the video embed on the page. Thought I'd share it. I was struggling to embed videos for a while too. 

[slamtheking]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

You are still not answering the question really. You saw all the mock drafts I posted from every site I know that posts them. One had him going at 31. All the others were mid 30's and one low 40. Do you think all these mock drafts are 20 spots off?

If so why do you think that?
If not, why would not be able to get him at 28 when every mock draft has him as available?

No, I'm not saying they are 20 spots off. I'm saying we should reach for him. Every mock draft you posted had him there because they're factoring the red flags and whatever is being said to him by people related to the draft. I'm saying that let's not worry about his past, look at what he can be in the NBA, work with him so his past wont haunt him and reach him at #16. Because compare to anyone else in that spot, he has one if not the most star potential. Not to mention he fills a need for our team. I think I answered that pretty clearly.

And as for waiting at #28, I kept saying that Dallas, Memphis, LA and Portland, all teams have either Free Agent Centers or no Centers that can block shots could be very well in play to snag him in the late 20's. Spurs could be in the mix too. Those are teams that can pick him before we can at #28, so let's take him at #16

let's get someone who's less of a risk at 16, someone else who's less of a risk at 28 and at 33 hope someone else decided to take on the Upshaw headache before that pick comes up. 

tell you what, I'll be willing to bet a TP with you that Upshaw doesn't get picked in the first round.  if that makes you uncomfortable this far in advance of the draft, I'm willing to allow for cancellation of the wager should new clarification come out regarding his issues whether it's in his favor or not.

[slamtheking]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

sounds like a perfect time for Jim Carrey quote:  "so you're telling me there's a chance?"

about the same odds.

LOL. True. But a chance none the less. 4 teams picking before us have no Centers.

Also, I learned that pasting the link straight instead of adding the [url] thingy would make the video embed on the page. Thought I'd share it. I was struggling to embed videos for a while too. 

TP for the URL tip!! 

I'm sure you already know this but this is just an issue I really disagree with you on (Upshaw).  this isn't a personal thing.  figured I just get that out there in case you were getting the wrong impression. 

[slamtheking]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

sounds like a perfect time for Jim Carrey quote:  "so you're telling me there's a chance?"

about the same odds.

LOL. True. But a chance none the less. 4 teams picking before us have no Centers.

Also, I learned that pasting the link straight instead of adding the [url] thingy would make the video embed on the page. Thought I'd share it. I was struggling to embed videos for a while too. 

didn't work   tried it without IMG or URL and just got the link.  IMG at least gives the image

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I'd still take him in the 2nd round. Low risk, high reward opportunity.

If he is available in the 2nd round.

I firmly believe that teams in the 20's, much more teams with Free Agent Centers will take him there.

I say take him at #16 already.

Frankly, this is idiotic. Every single story about this says "it's not just pot."  Every one.  While the NBA is somewhat forgiving regarding pot (it takes awhile to get yourself suspended for significant periods of time), they are not so forgiving about other drugs.  "Dismissal" from the league is the punishment pretty quickly.  No NBA team in their right mind will use a first round pick on a guy who might very well be kicked out of the league before he even sets foot on the floor.  This is someone who needs to get his life back together and then enter the NBA, and not the other way around.

As someone said, you're either trolling at this point or someone with his head completely buried in the sand.

How am I trolling? I have been driving this bandwagon ever since, i don't know how long now. I'm not dismissing the red flags, I'm merely saying that we can work with those red flags and keep him in track.

BTW, has anyone here heard of anything lately that suggests that he will be a headcase in the league? Because I haven't. All we're reading and hearing are from the past, there's nothing of late to suggest that he's not going get his life back on track, it's all about what he did in college.

I keep saying that we take him at #16 because I also believe that not only he won't last in the second round, but his potential is worth giving the #16 for. He will fill a need, he has an elite skill that can translate to the NBA, and he has the physical tools to improve and become more than just a shot blocker. Anyone we are picking at #16 may end up being just a guy coming off the bench, and Upshaw has the potential to be a starter.

I see the red flags, but unlike the rest of you, I believe the team and Upshaw can work together to carve that kid a career in the NBA. So if you think me believing that is trolling, then I guess it is.

Can you please define "of late"?  I mean, he was kicked out of school less than 5 months ago.  That's pretty darn recent.  It's not like he went to the D-League and no one had any problems.  Meeting Bill Walton for an hour doesn't really count as having turned his life around.  The evidence indicates he probably had 7 positive tests in about a 2-year period.  5 months of staying out of the public eye can't erase that.

Can I define "of late"? Sure, i meant anything happened AFTER he got kicked out.

All we heard and read from a lot people are issues that got him kicked out. We haven't heard anything in the 5 months AFTER to suggest that he will revert back to his immature ways. We've also read and heard that he hired a life coach, checked into rehab and we haven't heard a single issue since (outside of the heart condition of course, which has been cleared already).

Check out this quote from his coach (in Washington) from this article on FOX Sports.

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/nba-draft-washington-huskies-robert-upshaw-believes-he-s-worth-the-risk-061915

"The fact he wasn't able to finish at two universities, I don't know what category people place him in there, but he's not a thug," Romar told me. "He's not that. He has a lot of gifts. And they're not all on the basketball floor. He's engaging. He has a great sense of humor. That's why, as frustrating as this situation can get, and as frustrated as we were at times with him, that's why you're still able to root for him."

That's also a pretty interesting read as to why he's worth the risk.

We are in a very good position to make this gamble. We have a lot of picks coming in so striking out on a player who could very well be a good NBA starter in the future should not be franchise killing risk. The dude has star potential. He made mistakes and is dealing with it right now. He's still a boom or bust kind of a pick. All I'm saying is let's not pass on that potential simply because we're not willing to risk even though we could, or we're not willing to work to make sure he stays in track.

He's a better prospect that anyone that could be slotted at #16, let's take him, work with him and reap the benefits.

This really doesn't provide any reason why you are advocating taking him 20 spots higher than anyone else projects him.

Is it still not enough when the people who are mocking him in the 2nd round are the same people that says outside of the red flags, he's a lottery level talent?

Why am I advocating to pick him at #16? Because he has the potential to be special (to use a FIFA term), compare to the rest of the guys that are slotted to be available when we pick. And I know slamtheking don't like to see this, but again, there's a definite chance that he won't be available in the 2nd round, as there are teams who have their Centers going into free agency that can take a flier at him in the early 20's.

Take out the red flags, and he's a great value pick at #16. So why not pick him at #16 and just work with his past issues and make sure it doesn't haunt him back? He seems to be helping himself already.

sounds like a perfect time for Jim Carrey quote:  "so you're telling me there's a chance?"

about the same odds.

LOL. True. But a chance none the less. 4 teams picking before us have no Centers.

Also, I learned that pasting the link straight instead of adding the [url] thingy would make the video embed on the page. Thought I'd share it. I was struggling to embed videos for a while too. 

TP for the URL tip!! 

I'm sure you already know this but this is just an issue I really disagree with you on (Upshaw).  this isn't a personal thing.  figured I just get that out there in case you were getting the wrong impression.

Oh man. Of course it's not personal.

This is why the blogsite is fun, because we can disagree into things but we're getting content to read through either way.

I understand that we disagree, but I promise this is no way being taken personally. This is all about our passion to make the Celtics better.

[rollie mass]

addiction, a drug is a drug and so is alcohol-30yrs clean and sober--remember he was working with bill walton,sometimes being a mild case is the hardest- this situation is fraught with peril-money adulation,travel and booze and broads-there will be dissapointment and massive ups and downs-only danny knows the extent and risk
 was he an abuser or addict-relapse is such a common occurance,sobriety is a lifelong thing-

[86MaxwellSmart]

I think Danny stays away from this guy altogether...If I recall correctly, Ainge drove Len Bias to the airport the night before he died....I'm sure he has pretty strong memories of this.

[dreamgreen]

What you guys think, is it crack, meth, maybe heroine? My vote goes to cocaine maybe. There should be a poll.

I have no info on him failing a drug test basically because I have not checked it out. If it was cocaine than I'd be more worried that he's an idiot because cocaine only stays in the body for 24 hours. So unless it was a surprise drug test only a fool could fail that.

Lots of professional athletes use recreational drugs, IMO drug use is way over rated unless it's opiates, those are a problem!

[acieEarl]

I'd be fine if we use one of the second round picks. This guys got bust all over him, but I'd gamble with one of our second roiunders. it's not a big deal if that's how it turns out.