Halftime Hype

Hello Hamed, goodbye Hasheem. When news broke out that Memphis' Hasheem Thabeet was headed to the D-League, many spent their time pondering how a #2 pick in the draft could go from the penthouse to the outhouse so rapidly. Others wondered if the Grizzlies' fate would've differed had they chosen a different draft pick (i.e. Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Jordan Hill, Demar DeRozan, etc.). However, not very many, it seems, focused on the new backup center, Hamed Haddadi. Hamed, the first Iranian player in the NBA, is to Iranians what Omri Casspi is to Israelis. From HoopsHype:

It’s a rag-to-riches tale.

Kid plays soccer in a poor country, turns to
basketball at 13, doesn’t even have shoes at the beginning, but ends up
excelling to the point that he’s called to play pro ball in America.

That’s the story in brief of Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi, who became
a trivia answer last season as the first Iranian ever to make it into the NBA.

One year and a half later, though, Haddadi has done little to be
remembered for anything else.

Stuck behind All-Star Zach Randolph,
double-double machine Marc Gasol and shot-blocking rookie Hasheem Thabeet,
Haddadi’s playing time has actually gone down a notch this season – 4.8 mpg, 0.9
ppg, 1.6 rpg – compared to the last one, where he averaged 2.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg and
0.6 bpg on just 6.3 minutes per game.

“I’m not happy that I’m not
playing,” Haddadi said. “But I’m happy that I’m in the NBA and winning games.”

Currently in his sophomore season in the league, Hamed's had an interesting journey to his destination as backup center. Interestingly enough, issues arose prior to his arrival in the NBA. The teams had to "seek clearance" to sign him, due to legal matters related to his home country, Iran. Before he stepped on American hardwood, the hype was there. The 7-footer - 7'2" to be exact - scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in an Olympic game vs. Manu Ginobli's Argentine team. What's more, this Iranian center averaged double figures in the Olympics! In the Beijing Games, he was averaging 16.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Nevertheless, nothing can compare to the rigors of the National Basketball Association.

Despite multiple offers, including one rumored to have come from FC Barcelona (crazy to think that Hamed Haddadi could have been playing with Ricky Rubio), Haddadi signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. After mere months, Haddadi was demoted to the Dakota Wizards of the Developmental League. Within a month, though, he was called back. Regardless, even to this point, Hamed hasn't received very many minutes. In fact, at one point, Hamed made his Facebook status (written in his native Persian language, of course) "I'm tired of not playing." Furthermore, earlier this season, Clippers broadcasters were suspended for making fun of his appearance, among other things dubbing him "Borat."

Finally, more playing time is in sight. With Hasheem Thabeet temporarily gone, Marc Gasol will be replaced by... Hamed Haddadi. Hopefully he can make the best of his playing time and who knows, maybe one day the "first Iranian player in the NBA" will be more than a "trivia answer."

It was a typical afternoon for all but the final quarter of Sunday's Clippers game. Trailing by double digits, to the Memphis Grizzlies no less, there wasn't much hope at Staples Center. When the home crowd starts chanting for an away player on the bench who's only averaged three and a half minutes of play and has only hit the hardwood in 7 of 17 games (Hamed Haddadi), you know the game probably isn't pleasing the fans. But then, during the fourth quarter, out of nowhere, the notoriously mediocre Los Angeles Clippers went on a 21-0 surge. Memphis could barely get a shot up without the ball being stolen. And in the very few oppurtunities that the Grizzlies could attempt a field goal, it was often swatted away or rebounded by Clips. Although this was against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers put on quite a show. I'm not saying that celebrities are going to start attending their games, but the Clips may no longer be L.A.'s "other" team.

Honestly, I'm starting to grow a little tired from writing about the "potentially dangerous team" (see: The Sun Rises Again and Outlook Appears Bullish). However, when there's a team that seems to be materializing and looks to be slightly promising, it needs to be recognized. Finally, after years of subpar performance, things are looking a little brighter for the Los Angeles Clippers. If I heard Sunday night's broadcast properly, the C's enjoyed their first winning month since 2006.

There are several factors going forward that will be catalysts in how many victories the Clippers can pile up. One of the more obvious difference-makers will ultimately be the competition in the Pacific Division. In constant battle with the Phoenix Suns, who is currently a remarkable 14-3, and home-town rival & defending champions, the Lakers, the Clippers will endure a handful of losses. It would be too optimistic to forsee the Lakers or to a lesser degree, the Suns, losing one to the Clippers just because of how fluid their game is. To compensate, Sacramento and Golden State are still fair game. The Kings have been doing well in the absence of starter Kevin Martin, though, the Clippers have the ability to match-up with them. As for the Warriors, outside of Monta Ellis, who's been scoring in droves as of late, they are not a legitimately difficult team to face, or better yet, defeat.

Another factor will be injuries and conditioning. The Clippers have constantly battled injuries and, in fact, are still waiting for Blake Griffin to return. In the past, Kaman and Camby, one of the most talented frontcourt duos in the NBA, have had to tend to wounds. Forward Craig Smith also missed action while spending time with the trainer. For goodness sake, Eric Gordon just received a sore hamstring. Despite a threatening presence, Baron Davis is no longer the player he was in Oakland, but undoubtedly needs to work on his quickness.

Then there's the issue of holding on to leads. The Clips have been too nonchalant once they go up by double digits. It seems like the thought of holding a lead, much less winning a game, comes as too much of a revelation, possibly the cause of their complacency. There have already been multiple game where the Clippers have not been able to convert down the stretch and forfeited several potential wins.

Lastly, the red, white, and blue - a.k.a. the Clippers - need consistency. After starting off the season poorly, Al Thornton is once again showing his scoring prowess. He needs to keep it up. Rasual Butler must continue practicing his long-range shot, as that's exactly what he was acquired for: to his threes. Similarly, Baron can't slack off. One bad scoring night is acceptable, but as a leader, he needs to act like one and step his game up.

Going forward, especially once Griffin comes pack, the Clippers could actually qualify for the playoffs - or still an improvement, come in 9th or 10th. Who knows, it's very likely that this team could prove me wrong by losing their next match in a blowout - or by doing that constantly. Regardless, there is some silver lining to their situation. Obviously certain things, like a semi-talented division and injuries, aren't entirely in the Clippers' control. But finishing late in ball games, conditioning, and consistency are all pieces to possible successs. It's up to the C's to assemble them.

It was a little less than two years ago, when the Los Angeles Lakers traded their garbage, primarily consisting of Kwame Brown, and gave up the rights to Marc Gasol in exchange for Pau. At the time, everybody had a different opinion. Greg Poppavich even advocated for the establishment of a trade committee. Of course, Kobe Bryant - and Lakers fans - were ecstatic. After years of mediocrity and having William "Smush" Parker as starting point guard, the L.A. squad made it to the NBA Finals. Memphis' owner regretted fiving up Pau for so little. In the process, most overaggerated how lopsided the trade was in favor of the Lakers. Surely, only time would tell.

Obviously, in the short term the Lakers benefitted tremendously. Kobe's offseason complaints about that proverbial "missing piece" ceased. Mitch Kuptchak, who was one step short from having Lakers fans show up to his office with pitchforks, was praised a hero. Even the Los Angeles Times writers had nothing to criticize (cough, cough, Plaschke). For those that don't remember, the transaction was made subsequently after Bynum was injured and things were going on a crash course. The team was losing games left and right. Pau put an end to that. Oh, and did I mention that Kwame Brown - the dude with the extreme butter fingers and quite possibly the biggest draft bust in NBA history - was gone? (see video above)

The move clearly didn't help the Grizzlies out that year. For one, Marc wasn't even around at the time. Secondly, with so many guards in the mix, there was barely any space for Javaris Crittenton, a kid who showed occasional glimmers of talent with the Lakers. I doubt Aaron McKie even played. First round picks didn't exactly console Grizzlies' fans. Regardless, while Lakers fans were breathing sighs of relief at the departure of Kwame, the Grizzlies fans had adopted a total disaster. In the end, though, the main transaction for each teams involved a Gasol.

Now, it comes down to who is a better player and if he fits the needs of his team. Pau, with plenty more experience than his brother, added dynamics to a Lakers team that lacked a true center. Bynum, still developing, is lucky to have an Olympian by his side in the post. Anyway, Pau also added range, nonexistent on the L.A. squad outside of Kobe and Fish. On the other hand, Marc added a threatening post-presence to the Grizzlies, who had perimeter duties taken care of by O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Mike Miller, and if need be, Mike Conley. Although, it's worth taking into account the position each team was in. The Grizzlies, who were undergoing a rebuilding process could afford to wait a season for Marc to emerge. In contrast, the Lakers had the clock against them after Kobe acknowledged his frustration.

What I'm trying to say is that contrary to the opinion of pundits at the time of the trade, the move was a win-win for both teams. Could the Grizzlies have gotten more from the Lakers? Absolutely. Was the deal a donation for the Lakers? Absolutely not. At the moment, Marc Gasol is averaging 14.6 points & 10.9 rebounds per game for the Griz. Right now, Pau is trying to come back from injury upon enduring season after season of international play. Prior to his preseason injury, Pau was averaging 18.9 points & 9.6 rebounds per game as a member of the Lake Show. Sure, those are better numbers than his younger brother, but all it takes is a season or two for that to change. Overall, the Lakers benefitted tremendously in the short term, but Memphis Grizzlies' fans shouldn't at all be disappointed by the "Gasol-trade."

Finally, some NBA news! I've been very anxious for a press release, a trade, something, anything worthy of devoting a post to. These past few weeks I've been counting on A.I. and the Answer, indeed, came through. It's official: Allen Iverson has signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. The world found out firsthand via Twitter when A.I. made his decision public: "God Chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career". Is this good a good move for Memphis? Can A.I. really help them win? Why did it take so long to sign him?

Honestly, as of now, there's no definite explanation as to why it took so long for a deal to emerge. Allen Iverson has had a Hall-of-Fame career and just because it's winding down shouldn't prevent him from being effective. Regardless, apparently there were only a handful of teams who could afford Iverson's salary. The Clips could've had an deadly duo or destroyed their franchise with a backcourt of Baron Davis and Allen Iverson. Portland, the team with the big bucks, saw no interest.

While many paid little attention to the Grizzlies when they had Pau and stopped following the team after Elvis (a.k.a. Pau) left the building, this team still showcases promising talent. Marc Gasol is a solid center who provides double figures, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay, who both average 18+ ppg, can really light up a scoreboard, and Hasheem Thabeet is a sturdy low post player. That said, this team lacks a veteran who has been there and done that. I wouldn't rely on A.I. to provide guidance or count on him to inspire the team with leadership, but he can definitely mesh the offense together and pull aside a teammate to help him get better. Nobody else in the free agent class even remotely came close to having as much talent as Iverson. Similarly, no other free agent could add more wins than the Answer. With the circumstances being the way they were, this was a great move for Memphis.

The big question in this transaction, though, is whether or not Iverson can actually help the Grizzlies? The front office in Tennessee is definitely hoping for a playoff berth. However, in his brief stint in Detroit, he could barely get a team with champion veterans and blossoming youngsters - otherwise known as the ideal team - to the playoffs. And once the Pistons secured the eigth place finish, they raised the white flag in a 4-0 rout by the Cavs. What's worse is that Memphis is in the toughest division in the league; the Grizzlies share a division with San Antonio, Dallas, the Hornets, and Houston. Another example of A.I.'s ineffectiveness was his time in the Rockies. You'd expect a backcourt of Carmelo and Iverson to be dominant, let alone a squad who also had Camby and K-Mart in the frontcourt. Though, things never quite materialized in Denver, as the team didn't win significantly more games after Iverson's arrival. In short, there's no guarentee that Allen Iverson will be able to boost any team.

That said, Memphis can't get any worse. We're talking about a team that was victorious in only twenty-four games. A.I. will surely be the answer to their low attendance problems, as he will attract many fans. But this move goes beyond marketing. As I mentioned above, this team needed a leader. With Allen Iverson they get a former MVP, All-Star, and a player who has made it all the way to the promised land (a.k.a. the NBA Finals). Believe it or not, he knows what it takes to win. Additionally, the Grizzlies now have a player they can count on in the clutch. Instead of trusting a newbie like Mayo to close out a game or drawing up an elaborate play that ends up unsuccessful, Head Coach Lionel Hollins can rely on the Answer to lead the way.