Rookie Watch

Derrick Caracter is a player out of UTEP. He averaged about 15 points and 8.6 boards on 59 percent shooting.

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 18: Forward Derrick Caracter #4 of the UTEP Miners reacts to a play against the Butler Bulldogs during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HP Pavilion on March 18, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)


Caracter, interesting enough, was 300 pounds during his collegiate career. But since then, has slimmed down to 270. And its certainly showed. One thing you’ll notice about him is his footwork.

Caracter seems to know where he needs to be to score. On the left side of the paint is where he did the most damage. A move I noticed was his ability to fake his matchup and sets his feet into the middle of the post for a jumpshot.

His downside is definitely his size. At 6-9, being a power forward that has to go against the Bosh’s, Garnett’s, and Duncan’s of the league will be a test. Also, he maybe pressed for minutes as he starts out. But will likely take over Josh Powell’s minutes.

As NBA.com’s Art Garcia called him ‘a steal’ and that his game reminds him of ‘Big Baby, but more polished’. That’s a good sign for a second round player.

John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins lived up to their hype during the summer league. But it was Caracter who caught the attention of many spectators, being considered the number three talent in the NBA’s top 5 summer league rookies.

It seems as though the Lakers have keepers in these young draft picks. And this should be an exciting training camp for them.

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