New York Knicks have ‘interest’ Hasheem Thabeet

Sep 25, 2017; Greenburgh, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry speaks to the media on media day at MSG Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Reports came out yesterday, Hasheem Thabeet, 32, has been participating in ‘informal scrimmages’ with the New York Knicks.  Thabeet is suppose to be with the team for few days, per SNY.

The 2009 number two pick last played in the NBA in 2014 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Thabeet never made it in the NBA after playing at the University of Connecticut.  He spent most of his time in the then D-League.

His career NBA stats consist of 224 games played, 10.5 minutes per, .567 field goal %, 2.2 ppg and 2.7 rebounds per.

The Knicks currently have 19 on their roster for the 20-man training camp.  Could Thabeet fill the final spot?  However, the Milwaukee Bucks also have ‘interest’.

Just for fun, some believe that the Knicks have already signed Thabeet.  He is seen, back left, with the team in their “Family Lunch” on social media.

Even though it is just a training camp spot, signing Thabeet has its pros and cons.

PROS

Thabeet averaged 4.2 blocks in three seasons at UConn.  He would help the Knicks newest blocking phenom, Mitchell Robinson.  Thabeet is three inches taller than Robinson, but he can provide insight to the development of Robinson.  Robinson is already fantastic at blocking, but more knowledge and experience never hurt.

The Knicks only have three centers, Robinson, Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson.  The team does need another big.  So they can kill two birds with one stone.  He would be there primarily for Robinson’s benefit.  And if it works, maybe they would keep him around in the G-League.

CONS

Thabeet is 32 and has been out of the league for 5 years.  The Knicks cannot expect them to get valuable playing time out of him.  He is would taking up space until Reggie Bullock returns from back surgery.  The spot could be for a possible prospect, but agree-to-disagree.

Thabeet’s services would be centered around helping the progression of Robinson, as they it should be.