duncan228
10-27-2009, 11:25 AM
Grizzlies in talks with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar about joining staff (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/oct/26/grizzlies-talks-kareem-abdul-jabar-about-joining-s/)
By Ronald Tillery
The Grizzlies added star power to their roster in the offseason with Allen Iverson. Now, they might be on the verge of hiring a Hall of Famer for the coaching staff.
Legendary NBA center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sat in on the Grizzlies' practice Monday morning. The NBA's all-time leading scorer will entertain joining the organization, several sources confirmed.
Grizzlies management had no comment about Abdul-Jabbar's presence. Memphis, however, asked for and received permission from the Los Angeles Lakers to speak with Abdul-Jabbar.
Abdul-Jabbar, 62, is under contract with the Lakers after having tutored Andrew Bynum over the past several seasons. But the Los Angeles Daily News reported earlier this month that Abdul-Jabbar's interaction with Bynum would decrease and he'd take a lesser role with the Lakers this season.
The Griz have three centers -- two of which are considered projects -- that could benefit from Abdul-Jabbar's knowledge and experience. Marc Gasol, Hamed Haddadi and rookie Hasheem Thabeet met Abdul-Jabbar for dinner Sunday night.
Abdul-Jabbar was to meet with Griz head coach Lionel Hollins Monday afternoon.
A source said it is premature to determine what -- if anything -- would happen with Abdul-Jabbar with regard to the Grizzlies. But resolution could come in a few days or before Abdul-Jabbar leaves this week for a speaking tour in the Middle East.
Abdul-Jabbar is credited with teaching Bynum post skills and footwork. Bynum grew into one of the brightest young centers in the NBA. Former Griz Pau Gasol also benefited from Abdul-Jabbar's influence while with the Lakers.
Former NBA center Tree Rollins worked with the Grizzlies as a consultant for about 45 days. Rollins left the team for personal reasons during the first week of training camp.
By Ronald Tillery
The Grizzlies added star power to their roster in the offseason with Allen Iverson. Now, they might be on the verge of hiring a Hall of Famer for the coaching staff.
Legendary NBA center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sat in on the Grizzlies' practice Monday morning. The NBA's all-time leading scorer will entertain joining the organization, several sources confirmed.
Grizzlies management had no comment about Abdul-Jabbar's presence. Memphis, however, asked for and received permission from the Los Angeles Lakers to speak with Abdul-Jabbar.
Abdul-Jabbar, 62, is under contract with the Lakers after having tutored Andrew Bynum over the past several seasons. But the Los Angeles Daily News reported earlier this month that Abdul-Jabbar's interaction with Bynum would decrease and he'd take a lesser role with the Lakers this season.
The Griz have three centers -- two of which are considered projects -- that could benefit from Abdul-Jabbar's knowledge and experience. Marc Gasol, Hamed Haddadi and rookie Hasheem Thabeet met Abdul-Jabbar for dinner Sunday night.
Abdul-Jabbar was to meet with Griz head coach Lionel Hollins Monday afternoon.
A source said it is premature to determine what -- if anything -- would happen with Abdul-Jabbar with regard to the Grizzlies. But resolution could come in a few days or before Abdul-Jabbar leaves this week for a speaking tour in the Middle East.
Abdul-Jabbar is credited with teaching Bynum post skills and footwork. Bynum grew into one of the brightest young centers in the NBA. Former Griz Pau Gasol also benefited from Abdul-Jabbar's influence while with the Lakers.
Former NBA center Tree Rollins worked with the Grizzlies as a consultant for about 45 days. Rollins left the team for personal reasons during the first week of training camp.