Lakers: Ebanks and Caracter Look Like Keepers

terence · Sixth Man Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 73

I would have been extremely disappointed with our offseason if it wasnt for our two second round pics that right now look like they should have been taken in the top 20. Ebanks already looks better than Morrison or luke, and Caracter looks better than Powell or Mbenga. I think, at the very least, they will both provide some energy off the bench and be big fan favorites in their rookie years.

gildedgirth · Starting Rotation Joined: 06 May 2006 Posts: 421

Brian Shaw was interviewed on NBA TV during today's (and last) Lakers SPL game.

Shaw indicated that Ebanks and Caracter have a good chance at making the roster. Shaw seemed really pleased with both of them, obviously.

As far as DJ Strawberry, he has a chance, but said it's an "outside chance" at making the squad.

Texas_Pete · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:56 pm Post subject:

Scout's Inc's David Thorpe on Caracter:

Tris · Star Player Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 1432

ABynum17 · Starting Rotation Joined: 10 May 2010 Posts: 469

Caracter looks like he has SF skills, in a PF body, which is a very good thing. Certainly, it's a lot better than the reverse. A small with only big skills would be useless in the league, but if it's the reverse, then it's actually a small advantage over a big with big skill, I believe. Wouldn't be surprised if he becomes our 2nd best playmaker, in a couple of years.

I think a lineup of Pau, Caracter and Odom can definitely work.

Tris · Star Player Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 1432

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parsons777 · Star Player Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 3655

Tall PFs Pau, Bosh, Dirk, Amare, KG, and of course Timmy
Smaller PFs Boozer, Josh S, Landry

If your smaller, you've got to be quicker, stronger or have a good J to make an impact against the longer PFs. If you don't have those skills, off to the bench, D-league or europe.

Omar Little · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:05 pm Post subject:

Tris · Star Player Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 1432

Omar Little · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:39 pm Post subject:

LakersFanKB#24 · Star Player Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 2776

I thought Caracter was almost 6'10" without shoes, but maybe I am mistaken
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emplay · Site Staff Joined: 15 Apr 2001 Posts: 25608

the lakers in particular like long players - lamar is a long 6'10" - pau is 7' at the 4

caracter is really 6'8" ish maybe barely 6'9" in shoes.
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HAWAIIGUY27 · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 8:57 am Post subject:

Ebanks - Ariza (Obviously. Not only physically, but what he brings to a team, his SPL numbers pretty much mirror that of Trevor's.)

Caracter - Brand (many on LG compare him more to Randolph, but DC doesn't have as good 20ft range, plus he's got more defensive awareness like Brand. Perhaps including his old character make people compare him to Randolph.)
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Rick12322 · Franchise Player Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 19164

ABynum17 · Starting Rotation Joined: 10 May 2010 Posts: 469

Caracter on Lebron? It's something I pondered, and realized that he'd get killed on the screens.

uberzev · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 5:12 pm Post subject:

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hate*laker*haters · Sixth Man Joined: 13 Jan 2010 Posts: 96

wolfpaclaker · Retired Number Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 59188

Caracter may have impressed more in the SPL by staying toe to toe with lottery picks (Cousins) and doing some other very impressive stuff - but reality is I don't think Phil Jackson values guys like him too much.

Caracter will get a chance - perhaps Powell minutes. But two things. 1- We need to sign him on a 2 year deal and 2- Asssuming he doesn't repeat what he did in Louisville give him that 2nd year even if doesn't give you more than 5/3 as a rookie.

Caracter needs minutes and he also needs time to catch up to the NBA speed.

I think EBanks is far more NBA ready and far more likely to get or break into Phil's rotation. EBanks is just solid player. He doesn't have the jumpshot yet (although he was hitting them in some games) so that will hurt him. His style fits into LA's plans and what Phil values.

Length + Solid skills + Role player mindset = Lakers will give you a chance to play.

Caracter's lack of length/height works against him. We'll use him probably in situations where they have to match up with a Carl Landry or guys who like to play like that at PF/C, maybe even Glen Davis. So in that sense he further increases the versatility on this team's already insane big man talent. But realistically we shouldn't expect more than a few big games and a few games where he gets minutes this coming season.

All that said - if he works hard, listens to the coaches and gets the chance (which he should if he does the other things look at Sasha he sucks and they still give him a chance because he does the other things) - I can see this guy become a Big Baby type of role player for this team within a year. In the longrun if it lasts (work ethic, focus two things he hasn't always had) he can become a Carlos Boozer type of guy for a team without the playmaking/passing.

My predictions for Caracter's standing in the league within a few years.

Upside - Carlos Boozer/Zach Randolph
Middle/Most realistic - Big Baby
Downside - Craig Smith/Out of the NBA.

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