Scouting Report: Robert Upshaw, C, Washington
Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
Hassan Whiteside may look to collect some royalties if another marvel of the measurements with off-court concerns finds himself on the right side of pick No. 30.
Robert Upshaw would have warranted a long look regardless, but Whiteside's incredible emergence after two years out of the league speaks to the value a team can mine if it can turn a player with raw physical gifts into an actual basketball player. With one of the best height, wingspan, standing reach, and hand size measurements, plus a ridiculous block rate at Washington, the appeal is obvious ... if teams are convinced Upshaw fits their organizational culture. Confusing matters further, Upshaw was pulled from pre-draft workouts last week after a heart issue was identified at the combine. His camp is steadfast that he's fine, and he's been cleared twice before when flags arose, but it's another concern in his profile.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 30 | 38 | 7' | 258 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7' 5.5" | 9' 5" | N/A | 10 | 12.5% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 10.9 | 8.2 | 4.5 | 59.3% | 43.4% |
| 2012-13 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 1.7 | 36.0% | 45.2% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: There isn't a better overall physical package in the draft at the center position, and incredible size isn't the only thing Upshaw has going for him. His shot-blocking instincts are strong - he had more than twice as many blocks as fouls - and he's more or less impossible to stop when dunking in close, which is his primary source of offense. He's also a great rebounder, hardly a surprise given how close he plays to the rim and how much bigger he is than most everyone.
Weaknesses: So, about those fit concerns. The 21-year-old was dismissed from Fresno State in 2013 for violating team rules and was dismissed from Washington this season for the same thing, even after improving his support system. While there are on-court warts - he's pretty raw offensively, for example - the talent is enough that interviews and background checks are far more important than his actual workouts at this point.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
He blocked one of every 5.7 2-point shots an opponent took when he was on the floor this season. That's what teams are going to have in their heads as they pore over interviews with Upshaw and those close to him, trying to figure out if their locker room and developmental staff are strong enough to get the most out of him. Those conversations will probably begin with the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 25, and if he slides out of the first round, that's a nice lottery ticket for some of the lower-end teams picking high in the second round.