The reason that everyone is wanting to get him is because of the big man support we have here. Memphis doesn't have that type of support. We have Sikma, Miller, Chuck, Hakeem and Carroll Dawson to teach him better post moves and whatnot.
My stance on Thabeet is probably the same stance 28 other GM's have on him: I'm interested but at what cost? He's done absolutely NOTHING to prove he's 31 draft spots better than somebody like Hassan Whiteside -- a player with the exact same strengths/weaknesses and development issues. So when we're talking about a deal for Thabeet we have to consider his relatively high bust potential. Also, we have to completely disregard the fact that he's a former recent top three overall pick. His lack of development has completely negated that fact. If Memphis wants to talk trade I don't want to hear ANY of this "Well, he's a former #2 overall pick therefore he has significant value" crap. Thabeet has been THAT bad. The absolute most I'd consider giving up for Thabeet is a deal centered around C-Bud. Of course, the salaries nowhere near match so other players would have to be involved. The point is from a tangible asset standpoint that's the most I'd be willing to give for a player with such high bust potential and little probability of cracking our rotation. Sure, I realize he's (in theory) exactly what we're missing -- an interior defender to protect the rim and discourage all those backcourt players that are routinely burning us from so willingly going to the basket. All the same, this guy is nowhere near rotation ready on a competent NBA team.
Just because he is black, tall, and African doesn't mean he is like Mutombo. Before Deke came to the Rockets he had already been a 4 time DPOY, 8 time All Star, all NBA 2nd team, 2 time all NBA 3rd team, 3 time all defensive 1st team, 3 time all defensive 2nd team, and he was even on the all rookie team. Thabeet has hardly been able to stay on the court. Please don't compare the two.
Thoughts on what the Grizzlies would reasonably look for in a deal for him? We've all been saying, "go get him Morey!", but none of us have suggested a package to get him with (I'm guilty as well).
Mutombo didn't start playing ball until he was in college and he still managed to make the NBA all rookie team and NBA All Star team his 4th year playing organized basketball. Thabeet has been playing since he was 15.
Hes already up. Unless you wanna break the bank you have to trade for them early. Morey is wise to this. J-Hill T-Will Lowry People of this nature.
Correction.....when Mutombo was Thabeet's age, he was still in Africa and wouldn't come to the U.S. for 5 more years.
how was Mutombo DPOY 4 times but only made it to the all dfensive 1st team 3 times? something's not adding up, what am i missing?
Mutombo was DPOY in 1995, but 1st team All-Defense that year was league MVP David Robinson. I believe media votes for DPOY and coaches vote for All-Defense teams.
Not to belabor the point, but Mutombo went to Georgetown on scholarship to be a medical doctor. Even though he had a complete NBA career, he kept his dream alive and returned to build a hospital* in his country. I'm sure you all know the story about his mom passing. He went back and improved his country. HIS COUNTRY! He didn't 'stay tru' to his homies and buy them bling and an Esclade, he improveded his fricking country! He is a very driven and unique guy. To think somebody else with similar continent of origin and simialr size will eventually achieve the same is to insult the unique and impressive human being that Mutombo made himself to be. Actually I am guessing on the scholarship part. But I've heard that he was taking MD classes when John Thompson saw him walking across campus. Thompson recruited him to the basked ball team, as soon as he got a pair fresh pants on - I assume. Why nobody in admissions thought to tell the basket ball coach there is a 7 ft guy new to campus is beyond me as a sports fan. Those damn smart schools! * Not only build a hospital, but setting up a system of permanent funding. www.dmf.org. The guy is incredible.
Thabeet is no Deke. But they are extremely rare. There are few basketball players I am more in awe of their off the court accomplishments then their on court. It is all about cost versus reward... if Memphis wants to dump him for C-bud and Jefferies... I would do it. He is interesting but not something I would really chase. Fierguard Bleed Red Rockets Red
