Memphis Grizzlies waive Fab Melo

[alh1020]

Just a couple weeks ago, Memphis traded the expiring contract of Donte Greene plus sent some cash to Boston for the rights to Fab Melo.

Friday they waived Melo, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

Melo was owed $1.3 million this season fully guaranteed, part of his rookie contract. If no team picks ‘Melo up off waivers Memphis will have to eat that salary (and it still counts against their salary cap).

The fact that Memphis is willing to do that rather than let go of Josh Akognon or Willie Reed (guys without fully guaranteed contracts who make less money) speaks to what Memphis thought of Melo. There have been questions about his maturity and his desire to work at his game since he entered the league.

That said, ‘Melo is a 7’0” shot blocking big who could develop into a good NBA defender — last season he was named to the D-League All-Defensive First Team and D-League All-Rookie First Team — so a team may well claim him off waivers. If not, he will land a spot on a minimum contract.

Memphis didn’t really need Melo at center: They start Marc Gasol and now back him up with Kosta Koufos, plus Jon Leuer is the third center on the roster.

Link: Report: Memphis Grizzlies waive Fab Melo | ProBasketballTalk

[alh1020]

Might be an interesting pickup. Melo is young and has the raw tools to be something special, if he puts his mind to it. He might have a maturity problem but if the right people mentor and light a fire under him, he might be that diamond in the rough 'big man' we've been looking for. He might be the right project to invest in at minimum rates. If he hits free agency, then the price would probably go up and up. Something I'm sure the Spurs FO might be thinking about. A lot of 'might be's in this guy.

[grizzly_bexar]

If we got him, it could turn out to be a better move than acquiring Greg Oden.

[esparzar1]

He definitely has the physical tools but the mental aspect is something I would worry about

[mckennaspur1]

Gotta believe that someone will pick up his waiver before the Spurs even get a shot at him.

If the Spurs do get a chance, sending the kid to the Toros for some corporate indoctrination might be a good idea.

[alh1020]

I did happen to see him play a game while he was with the Boston's D-league squad, the Maine Red Claws and Melo recorded a triple double (15 pts, 16 rebs and 14 blocks in 37 mins). Those 14 blocks either tied or established a D-league record. He definitely has the ability, it's just that he needs a mentor and somebody to help develop and coach him. I have to agree with Griz above, this might be a better acquisition than Oden, but will he reach the Spurs in the waiver process.

[Spurd_On]

According to all scouting reports I have read, his game is not and never will be suited to an up tempo team. That's all I needed to hear.

[Guapo]

He's a seven foot project. Do we really need one of those?

[clovisnmspurfan]

Just his name is worth a look.

[b1gdon]

Originally Posted by Guapo

He's a seven foot project. Do we really need one of those?

You mean ANOTHER one of those.

[Guapo]

Originally Posted by b1gdon

You mean ANOTHER one of those.

Exactly!

[Kager]

Two teams with decent records at bringing players on line dumped him to the curb even though it cost them..... I don't see a future here.

[choppsboy]

We do not need a project C or PF. We already have 6 PF/C's - That is 3 deep at the PF and C position.

Duncan
Splitter
Diaw
Bonner
Baynes
Pendergraph

We need an actual backup SF. We are 1 deep at that position - Leonard!

[Spurd_On]

Originally Posted by choppsboy

We do not need a project C or PF. We already have 6 PF/C's - That is 3 deep at the PF and C position.

Duncan
Splitter
Diaw
Bonner
Baynes
Pendergraph

We need an actual backup SF. We are 1 deep at that position - Leonard!

In the traditional sense yes. But I see Diaw in there at times against beefy matchups. I also read an article that suggests that with Belinelli, the Spurs may use Belinelli and Manu distributing and on the floor at the same time with Patty Mills at the SG.

[choppsboy]

Originally Posted by Spurd_On

In the traditional sense yes. But I see Diaw in there at times against beefy matchups. I also read an article that suggests that with Belinelli, the Spurs may use Belinelli and Manu distributing and on the floor at the same time with Patty Mills at the SG.

So are you suggesting that we should get Fab Melo rather than a back-up SF because some of our PF's or SG's can be backup SF's?

OK then,

When does Fab Melo get on the court? Who's minutes does he take?

At least if we signed a SF, that player would have some chance of getting on the court.

No matter how you slice it, we have 3 centers, 3 power forwards, and 1 Small Forward. We don't need a 4th Center/Power forward unless he is good enough to replace the minutes one of our current guys would take. I don't see Fab Melo getting minutes over last two guys on our depth chart (Pendergraph and Baynes).

[Spurd_On]

So are you suggesting that we should get Fab Melo rather than a back-up SF because some of our PF's or SG's can be backup SF's?

No. I'm simply suggesting what the Spurs might do if they stand pat and don't acquire another SF.

OK then,

When does Fab Melo get on the court? Who's minutes does he take?

OK what? I never replied until just now

He doesn't come to the team or take anyone's minutes. Read my first post in this thread. He doesn't fit with this team.

At least if we signed a SF, that player would have some chance of getting on the court.

Yes. There just might not be a suitable one left and the Spurs may improvise.

[choppsboy]

Originally Posted by Spurd_On

So are you suggesting that we should get Fab Melo rather than a back-up SF because some of our PF's or SG's can be backup SF's?

No. I'm simply suggesting what the Spurs might do if they stand pat and don't acquire another SF.

OK then,

When does Fab Melo get on the court? Who's minutes does he take?

OK what? I never replied until just now

He doesn't come to the team or take anyone's minutes. Read my first post in this thread. He doesn't fit with this team.

At least if we signed a SF, that player would have some chance of getting on the court.

Yes. There just might not be a suitable one left and the Spurs may improvise.

OOOhh.

Sorry. I thought you were continuing the argument that we should sign Fab Melo.

Ultimately I agree that we should just leave the spot open. You never know who is going to get injured.

[Dulce]

He's probably going to Miami.