Hasheem Thabeet
The Memphis Grizzlies recalled center Hasheem Thabeet from the Dakota Wizards, the team’s NBA Development League’s affiliate.
The second overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Thabeet averaged a double-double with 13.8 points and 11.2 rebounds along with 3.17 blocks on 50.0 percent shooting in 31.3 minutes in six games (four starts) with Dakota.
The 23-year-old rookie is averaging 2.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.16 blocks (second among first-year players) in 50 games with the Grizzlies.
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Rudy Gay
Memphis owner Michael Heisley is confident that the team will be able to re-sign restricted free agent Rudy Gay this summer.
“I feel we’re going to sign him,” Heisley told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal. “I don’t know what else you want me to say. Rudy is an outstanding player. He fits our team well. We’ve got the best front line in basketball.”
The owner went on to dispel rumors that the Grizzlies acquired Ronnie Brewer from Utah at the trade deadline as insurance should Gay leave this offseason.
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Hasheem Thabeet
The Memphis Grizzlies assigned center Hasheem Thabeet to the Dakota Wizards, Memphis’ NBA D-League affiliate, it was announced today.
The assignment is the 23rd time an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate this season.
Thabeet, the second overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft, becomes the highest-drafted NBA player to join an NBA D-League roster. In 50 games for Memphis this season, he averaged 2.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 10.3 minutes.
Inside Hoops
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Hamed Haddadi
Second-year center Hamed Haddadi’s sudden appearance last Sunday has earned him a supporting role.
Griz coach Lionel Hollins announced Tuesday night that Haddadi would supplant rookie Hasheem Thabeet as the backup to starting center Marc Gasol.
“You just feel something and you want to see something and you want to change. You run with it and see what happens. How long will this last? I don’t know,” Hollins said.
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Deron Williams
After the Jazz traded his good friend Ronnie Brewer, Deron Williams seemed to hint that his exit from the franchise could be sooner rather than later.
Speaking with reporters the day after the Jazz sent Brewer to Memphis for a protected first-round draft pick, Williams expressed frustration with the trade and hinted that he too was ready to leave.
“That’s why I signed a three-year deal.”
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Dorell Wright
Memphis remains hopeful it can acquire one of several players via trade, including such swingmen as Utah’s Ronnie Brewer or Miami’s Dorell Wright.
The Grizzlies expect to complete a trade before Thursday’s deadline, according to sources with knowledge of the team’s dealings.
Memphis is not seriously fielding offers for point guard Mike Conley on the eve of the trade deadline. Sources contradicted an ESPN.com report that the Griz considered moving Conley for cap relief and a first-round pick.
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Sergio Rodriguez
Elsewhere on the trade front, there is the possibility that reserve point guard Sergio Rodriguez could find himself wearing a different jersey soon.
Sources said Memphis, New York and New Jersey have all inquired about the little-used fourth-year player, who is in the final season of his contract.
A potential trade may not result in the Kings taking back a player and instead saving the remaining money on Rodriguez’s salary this season of $1.8 million.
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Rudy Gay
Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins strongly refuted trade rumors involving star Rudy Gay on Friday night.
“Untrue. There’s no trade possibility for Rudy (Gay). Rudy is a Memphis Grizzly, and for as long as he wants to be, he will be.” Hollins said in response to an ESPN report to the contrary.
Memphis has been linked to Ronnie Brewer, who some believe will be used as insurance should the Grizzlies lose Gay this coming offseason. Sources claim that it is in the best interest of the Grizzlies to trade Gay because he becomes a restricted free agent this summer.
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Ronnie Brewer
Memphis is discussing a potential trade in which they would acquire Ronnie Brewer from the Utah Jazz.
The discussions have centered around which first round pick the Grizzlies would send to Utah.
Brewer earns $2.7 million and will be a restricted free agent this summer. A qualifying offer would cost $3.7 million.
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FedEx Forum
The Memphis Grizzlies-Los Angeles Clippers game in Memphis was halted and the entire FedEx Forum evacuated after a fire alarm was triggered in the third quarter.
Pete Pranica, the Grizzlies television play-by-play man reports that the arena has been deemed safe to play and the teams and fans who did not go home are headed back for more basketball.
The initial word is that a water pipe burst on a lower level, setting the alarm off.
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