On Working Class Wednesdays we take the time to salute the unsung workhorses of the NBA; the undersized, overlooked, middling grinders who scratch and scrape and sweat for any opportunity to help their respective teams.
It’s hard to find a more fitting WW candidate than Tarik Black.
The undrafted Kansas center is a real bruiser at 6-foot-11, 260 pounds and, though his offensive skills are limited, he is a dominant force on the offensive glass. Black was signed by the Lakers after his release from the Rockets and has exceeded expectations with averages of 7 PPG, 5 RPG, and 67% from the field. Furthermore, his averages per 36 minutes are roughly 15/10 – a bargain considering his 2-year, 1.4-million-dollar contract.
If Black can maintain this pace, he will surely be a no-brainer addition to next year’s Lakers squad. However, despite his recent success, he is still a rookie, and rookies must be hazed. Case in point, check
out Jordan Clarkson and Black’s pre-game baby stroller duties below:
Who is your nominee for next week’s Working Class Wednesday? Give me your two cents @MarkAGavigan.
