NBA Draft Profile: Washington C Robert Upshaw

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As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NBA Draft we will provide profiles of more than 60 prospects, including video interviews with each player, what they're saying leading up to draft day as well as their potential fit on the Bulls.

Robert Upshaw, C, Washington

7'0" | 258 lbs. | 21 years old

2014-15 stats:

10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, 59.3 FG%, 24.9 minutes, 19 games (kicked off team for violation of team rules)

Projection:

Late first round to undrafted

Quotable:

"I have a clear understanding of what’s gone on in my life. And unlike most people in my situation I’ve been able to identify the wrongs and I’m able to go through the experiences and I’ve been able to learn from them. And everybody makes mistakes, regardless if they were the mistakes I made or the mistakes I’m going to make in life. At the end of the day I’ve learned and I’ve made my mistakes but I’m still going."

 

Rotoworld mock draft selection:

27. LA Lakers – Robert Upshaw, C, Washington: There are plenty of red flags with Upshaw after being kicked off a couple teams in college, and the team that drafts him will have to be sure to surround him with a top-notch support system. But he’s also big enough and solid enough defensively that he should be able to find a spot in the league, assuming he can stay out of trouble.

Fit for the Bulls:

If Upshaw didn't have so many red flags - he was kicked off both Fresno State and Washington for reportedly failing drug tests - he probably would be a lottery pick. A 7-footer with elite shot-blocking skills and an NBA-ready frame, Upshaw has the makings of a perfect complement to Pau Gasol on the second unit. Fred Hoiberg took in some troubled kids at Iowa State, so he's no stranger to getting the most out of players who otherwise wouldn't have received a shot. He's certainly good enough to be selected at No. 22 and he'll likely be available. The Bulls just need to figure out if the potential headache is worth having that second unit anchor who can defend the rim, rebound well and provide some inside scoring. He's easily the biggest wild card in the draft.

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