A Lack of Developmental Resources
Since 2009, it has become much more evident that the Memphis Grizzlies have been very poor when it comes to player development. They did not miss on only the selection of Hasheem Thabeet. Considering their past first round picks of Xavier Henry (2010), Jamaal Franklin (2013), Jordan Adams (2014), and more, you will notice one key similarity. Each name did not spend much time in the NBA. Granted, Adams’ professional career was derailed by injury, the Grizzlies have more than struggled with developing young talents. Rarely has the franchise drafted — and retained — a quality player.
The Front Office is not solely at fault for their NBA Draft lapses when on the clock. Memphis has always taken highly-ranked prospects. They have not been “reaching” when selecting players. If you take a look into their coaching staffs and mentors behind the scenes, it has not been until recently the Grizzlies have secured some great names.
Next: Memphis Grizzlies Look to Right a Past Wrong
In Hasheem Thabeet’s time while donning a Grizzlies uniform, the organization did not put forth the effort to bring in any big men coaches to specifically establish the No. 2 pick. The investment was not made. Thabeet did not receive the special treatment to work with Hakeem Olajuwon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, or other NBA legends of the center position. Marc Gasol, now a three-time NBA All-Star, was perhaps the best mentor at the five-spot for Hasheem, but at in 2009, Big Spain was entering his sophomore NBA season. He was not established either.
In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent season, 2017-18, strides have been made in the player development department. They have a nearby “farm team” in the G-league’s Memphis Hustle. Two-way contracts exist now, too, in the NBA. These deals tremendously aid in developing players at an enhanced pace. When Hasheem was a rookie, he spent a few games with the Dakota Wizards. It was not a convenient transition at all.
In addition to improvements with the NBA’s developmental league, Memphis has a very experienced coaching staff. It is almost a guarantee that the Grizzlies will reap the benefits via their youth due to this offseason’s gathering of experienced individuals under J.B. Bickerstaff’s full-time head coaching title. If this particular staff would have been in place in 2009, Hasheem Thabeet would probably become a relevent NBA center, even in a small-ball world of hoops.