While the All-Star weekend dominated basketball headlines the past few days, former OKC Thunder center Hasheem Thabeet is eyeing an NBA comeback.
With another entertaining All-Star weekend dominating the news, former OKC Thunder Center Hasheem Thabeet worked out for the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Houston Rockets over the weekend. Widely regarded as a bust after being selected second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in a loaded 2009 NBA draft, the 7’3 big man is attempting a comeback to the NBA after being the Thunder traded him to Philadelphia in 2014.
76ers beat writer Keith Pompey broke the news.
Former #NBA C Hasheem Thabeet is in #Charlotte working out in front of representatives from the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons. The teams are here for the #NBAALLSTAR2019.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) February 16, 2019
This is particularly interesting given Thabeet’s standing as one of the biggest busts in recent memory. Still, the 32-year-old is still garnering interest from teams looking for big man depth though one wonders how serious teams are taking him with Marcin Gortat and Zach Randolph available.
Short but eventful tenure with OKC
OKC signed Thabeet as a free agent in the Summer of 2012 hoping to unlock the potential many scouts saw in college. The 2009 second-team All American and Big East Player of the Year came with a huge amount, particularly on the defensive end where he possessed a gigantic 7’6 wingspan.
While things didn’t exactly work out in Oklahoma City, Thabeet did have his first career double-double with the Thunder against the (then) Charlotte Bobcats. The big man posted 13 points and 10 rebounds in Oklahoma City’s 114-69 demolition of Charlotte.
So why didn’t it work out for Thabeet?
While the Tanzanian displayed flashes of potential, he never developed on either end during his time in the NBA. Memphis Grizzlies great Tony “the Godfather” Allen provided insight as to why Thabeet didn’t develop into a serviceable NBA pro.
https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow/status/1085331077152034819
Its interesting given most only remember the big man for his colorful streaks through his hair rather than his play on the court. While Allen’s take was only from his time in Memphis, it’s easy to believe the Tanzanian deployed the same antics in Oklahoma City.
Remember this?
One could speculate former NBA Champion and OKC Thunder center Kendrick Perkins was mad
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from being hit with his fourth foul but Perk didn’t like to play games. Additionally, Kevin Durant gave Thabeet a shout-out during his famous MVP speech alluding to the “hot pants” the big man used to wear in the locker room. Thabeet was perhaps more interested in playing games than playing basketball at that point in his career.
If the big man does make his way back into the NBA, Thunder fans wish him all the best. From a basketball standpoint, his acquisition doesn’t seem to make any sense unless he’s improved substantially playing overseas.
Only time will tell.