Hasheem Thabeet: I Came To Get An Education And Ended Up Playing Ball
July 1, 2009 – 8:45 am by Tas Melas
In this taping, Thabeet seems a little preoccupied and has to end it pretty abruptly. This elicits some good chuckles from Dan Patrick as his interview falls apart. During the first couple minutes, the new Dikembe Mutombo of the NBA – I say this because it’s difficult to understand him at times with that booming voice – sounds genuinely excited about the prospect of playing in Memphis. I definitely love the way the man carries himself; I highly doubt the Grizzlies will ever use the term ‘lack of effort’ and Thabeet in the same sentence. Thabeet joined The Dan Patrick Show to discuss if the Clippers made a mistake in not drafting him, if Blake Griffin is better than him, and what soccer taught him.
Did the Clippers make a mistake in not signing you?
“I wouldn’t call it a mistake. They just made a choice. I’m happy with the way it ended up – this is a good opportunity for me. I came out here to get an education, ended up playing basketball.”
Do you look at Blake Griffin as the best talent in the country?
“He’s a great talent. I respect him so much. I played against him a couple times back in Houston – he’s a good player. All the guys who was out there, I believe they’re great talents. I’m happy with where I am right now, it didn’t bother me that I didn’t go number one.”
Did you play soccer as a child?
“I played till I was 13. (Host: How good were you?) Pretty good. (Host: Goalie?) I grew up playing almost all positions. (Host: I imagine that would help you with your footwork, wouldn’t it?) Pretty good, that’s one thing that I took from it – footwork, good vision, good timing, it helped me a lot.”
Listen to Hasheem Thabeet on The Dan Patrick Show
Tags: Basketball, Blake Griffin, Hasheem Thabeet, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA
