Tarik

Black

Black was attempting to earn his way back into the league after having not played in an NBA game since the 2017-18 season, when he appeared in 51 games for the Rockets. All three players were long-shots to make the Nuggs opening night roster.

Black last played in the NBA in 2017-18, when he appeared in 51 games (two starts) for the Rockets, averaging 3.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 10.5 minutes, while shooting 59% from the floor. He’s spent the last few seasons bouncing around overseas. He’s a longshot to make the Nuggets opening day roster.

It’s fairly rare for teams to have control of options in this NBA landscape, so this can be viewed as a one-year deal with the potential for a second go-around. An earlier report from Shams Charania of The Vertical stated that Black’s second season includes a guarantee date, so this followup doesn’t come as a surprise. The Lakers previously took this approach with Jordan Hill, but unlike Hill, Black is a player Los Angeles has invested in and has shown a desire to develop.

Black isn’t going to be a major priority for any clubs, but he could receive some interest once the major players are off the board. He won’t be anything more than a backup wherever he winds up, so his fantasy value will be nil in most formats.

“‘I don’t ask to be given anything. I just ask for a fair shot,’” Black recalled of the conversation. “‘If I earn something, give it to me.” Black’s relationship with Walton began back in 2011 when Walton served as an assistant coach with the University of Memphis, and the two have kept in touch ever since. Timofey Mozgov will be Black’s primary competition for playing time, but it’s tough to see him earning much more than 20 minutes a night. Black is not someone to target in standard leagues.

The Lakers lavished a $65 million deal on Timofey Mozgov to begin the free agency period, and Black projects as his primary backup, though he could eventually face competition from rookie Ivica Zubac. Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. are holding down the PF spot, and there’s no reason to think that Black will emerge as a fantasy asset in 2016-17.

Per Charania, Black’s deal will also include a trade kicker. The agreement represents the most the big man could earn under the Early Bird provisions, and he should have a role in the rotation as Timofey Mozgov’s primary backup to begin the 2016-17 campaign. It’s worth noting that Black and Luke Walton have a previous relationship from spending time together at the University of Memphis in 2011, and the two having an extended phone conversation helped to “solidify Black’s return.”

It’s official after there were reports of the agreement way back in July. He’s going to have a little more competition for minutes at center with the Timofey Mozgov signing and the Lakers picking up Ivica Zubac. Black is no lock to be in the rotation.

Black is a bit of an undersized center at 6'9", but he doesn’t really have the skill set to play the four spot. He should get some run in the second unit until the Lakers want to give Ivica Zubac a little burn.

Mozgov caught an elbow to the face via Jeff Teague during Tuesday’s loss to the Jazz, and his face looked like an MMA fighter that had just lost a fight after the game. We’re still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but with Mozzy on the sidelines Wednesday night, it could be Tarik Black or Thomas Robinson sliding into the starting five while rookie Ivica Zubac could make an appearance in the rotation. There will also be more minutes for Larry Nance and Julius Randle.