With the news that NBA Development League power forward Darnell Lazare has signed with the Sydney Kings, we go to one of the most prolific observers of the D-League for a scouting report on the 6’8″ post player. Scott Schroeder is the founder of Ridiculous Upside, the go-to source for news about the D-League and guys trying to make it into the NBA. In short, he is an oracle of information regarding guys who are just short of making the NBA — right around the skill range that NBL clubs are trying to secure as imports every season.
Here is a series of scouting notes that Scott has collected on Lazare (and was kind enough to share with me), the great hope for the Kings at the four spot:
(click image above to see in larger format)
In short, he sounds like the type of player that will help address particular needs for the Kings. Specifically, his propensity to play down low offensively, in the post, and his nose for rebounds, complement the current squad that the Kings have put together. His toughness sounds like exactly the type of player that immediately appeals to coach Shane Heal.
With the new import on board, the Kings roster looks something like this (depth chart / starters yet to be arrived at):
PG Corin Henry (US import)
SG Ben Madgen (returning)
SF Aaron Bruce (returning)
PF Darnell Lazare (US import)
C Ian Crosswhite (ex Cairns Taipans)
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G James Harvey (ex Gold Coast Blaze)
G Luke Martin (returning)
F Kevin Smith (unconfirmed, ex Harbour Heat – NZ naturalised, American born)
F Graeme Dann (returning)
F Tom Garlepp (ex Gold Coast Blaze)
You can find more mentions of Lazare at Ridiculous Upside, by clicking here.
