| Grizzlies recall Thabeet after short stint in D-League | Send to a friend |
| Wednesday, 10 March 2010 11:18 |
 MEMPHIS,The Memphis Grizzlies recalled centre Hasheem Thabeet from the Dakota Wizards of the NBA Development League on Monday. Thabeet, who was drafted second overall in 2009, became the highest-ever draft pick to be sent to the NBADL back on February 25th. In six games with Dakota, the UConn product averaged 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.17 blocks while playing over 31 minutes per game. The 7-foot-3 Thabeet was putting up a paltry 2.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.16 blocks in 50 games with the Grizzlies before being sent down. Due to this, the Memphis Grizzlies decided send him to the D-League where he could boost his confidence. A second-team All-America from the University of Connecticut, Thabeet drew comparisons to former NBA defensive great Dikembe Mutombo. Thabeet’s high draft selection earned him a $4.5 million salary for his rookie season, and he admitted to feeling immense pressure to succeed immediately. He’s struggled to adjust to the quicker pace of the NBA and his offensive skills still needed considerable refining. “People are expecting a lot from you,” Thabeet said. “Your team mates back from high school and college. Your college coaches, everyone that knows you. They’re all expecting a lot from me. That’s a lot of pressure.” He said before being sent to Dakota. “But now I have to look at it as motivation to work even harder. They sent me out here. I got to show them, OK, this is not where I belong.’ I just have to keep working hard and my time will come.” Thabeet’s rookie season reached a low point when he recently lost his place in the rotation to second-year centre Hamed Haddadi. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Haddadi benefited from his stay in the D-League last season, and was confident Thabeet gained in his short stint. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
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