Thabeet's numbers this season

[ThreeYearPlan]

In the 12 games he played 20+ minutes this season he averaged 6.4 pts 7.5 rbs and 3 blks. An interesting stat was that in those 12 games he only had 3 games where he did not record multiple blocks, less than the number of games(4) where he recorded 4 or more blocks. The obvious problem was fouls, 7 games where he had 4 or more.

[BarbaGrizz]

Interesting, but I guess we should question why he played less than 20 minutes in the other games. Foul trouble or he´s not ready to take big minutes? I´ll take the second.

[dookieguy]

They should've played him until he fouled out in those last games..

[ThreeYearPlan]

Interesting, but I guess we should question why he played less than 20 minutes in the other games. Foul trouble or he´s not ready to take big minutes? I´ll take the second.

agreed but I thought at first he just flat out had no talent but he has actually shown flashes of that potential 10+ pts 10+ rbs 3+ blks. Imo he needs to work on his conditioning and go visit the Gasol brothers to learn flopping, if he can add a charge to his repertoire he can avoid major foul trouble

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

It's up to Hasheem at this point. He's waaaaaaaaaay behind the curve. Still, if he could learn to be a little more active and learn how to stay out of foul trouble, he could turn into a modest asset sooner than later.

[BarbaGrizz]

I really hope he works in his game this offseason, but the main thing he must improve is his mental toughness. The few games I could watch he seemed completely mentaly outplayed.

[Downtown]

Considering he is supposed to be some sort of a defensive specialist I don't see any positives in the way the Grizzlies got scored on more after Gasol went out and Thabeet took over.

That might be a little unfair but you have to ask yourself if he really will make a difference. My preference is to see what they could get for him in a trade and wrap up Gasol long term.

[cedric76]

can gasol extend this summer?

[shaq_diesel_33]

i think that he can improve to a 10+ pts and 10+ reb stats. Add to that 3-4 blocks and he is a great defensive player, something like camby

[cedric76]

i think that he can improve to a 10+ pts and 10+ reb stats. Add to that 3-4 blocks and he is a great defensive player, something like camby

will u move gasol to the 4 then?
what about randolph?

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

will u move gasol to the 4 then?
what about randolph?

I think they will try to move Marc to the 4, at least part time. Randolph will be resigned if the price is right.

[jman3134]

Downtown actually brings up a really good point. Sure, having a shot blocker is a good thing every once in a while, but when his blocks come at the expense of team defense, it never is worthwhile. This seems to be a considerable trend- guys who come in and try to block everything without playing positional defense. How do you think the Celtics got so good?

As for Thabeet: the guy is simply not a skilled player. That's why the Grizz would opt for Marc Gasol over him. I don't honestly think he will ever be. He relies primarily on his size and should be able to make somewhat of a game centered around his length and height. (on the offensive end) But, beyond that, don't expect him to have any advanced footwork anytime in the near future.

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

IF (huge if) the 3 second rule for defenders is rescinded, it's a whole new game for the Tanzanian Terror. If the Presence is allowed to camp the lane and the Grizz adopt a part time 2/3 or box and 1 zone, he and Marc should be able to play more extended minutes together and Hasheem's curve to being an effective player would be greatly reduced. In other words, he'll be allowed to camp out in the paint and harass smaller players that try to drive the lane like he did at UConn.

[jman3134]

^ Is this a legitimate possibility?

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

^ Is this a legitimate possibility?

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/w ... index.html

Now consider this: Commissioner David Stern told me in December that the league will consider doing away with the three-second limit on defenders in the lane, which would result in a European approach to team defense based on zone principles. Styles and strategies will continue to grow.

[jman3134]

I think I would like that personally. That 3 second rule really makes athleticism a must because slashers who can get by their man are able to score virtually at will.