The Dribble

It looks like the Grizzlies have decided to go with 7'2 Jake Tsakalidis as their starting center for their playoff push, maybe as a way to rest Gasol. Jake was the 25th pick in the 2000 draft (KMart/Nets, Stro/Grizzlies (cough*VANCOUVER*cough), Miles/Clippers were 1-2-3) other big men/centers that were drafted ahead of him include:

Mihm/Cavs-#7 now with Lakers
Przybilla/Bucks-#9 now with Blazers
Moiso/Celtics-#11 (where is he now???)
Etan (poet) Thomas/Mavs-#12 now with Wiz

When Memphis failed to make a move at the deadline I figured something was up. I wonder if they're hoping that Tsakalidis can give them production similar to hmmmm... let's say .....Chris Kaman numbers. Looks like he's gonna get the chance to show what he's got, but for how long. Memphis is 4-6 in their last 10 and experiments like this are not exactly what Jerry West is known for especially with their upcoming games are at home (even more p...p...pressure this time of year):

• Denver
• Boston
• Utah
• Indiana
• LA Clippers
  

With a center the size of Jake you're looking for boards and if you look at his numbers he'll give you 12.5 reb/48min which is better than:

• Wilcox 11.9 reb/48min
• Mihm 11.6 reb/48min
• Randolph 11.5 reb/48min
• Ilgauskas 11.5 reb/48min
  

but not quite as good as:

• Camby 17.4 reb/48min
• Foster 16.7 reb/48min
• Chandler 16.4 reb/48min
• Dampier (hmmmph who woulda thought to see him here) 16.2 reb/48min

but if he can show a little game to go along with his 2.32 blocks per 48min (45th in the league) it might change the face of the Grizzlies what with Lorenzen Wright pulling a disappearing act and all.

Looking at his scoring ability per 48 minutes he compares to Bogut, Lafrentz and Haywood who are all around 15pts/per 48min

....so juggle the line up Mr. Fratello and give us some different looks.