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Grizzlies sign Hassan Whiteside

Rio Grande Valley Vipers vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants

Rio Grande Valley Vipers vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants

NBAE/Getty Images

Hassan Whiteside has a 7-foot-7 wingspan.

In two seasons with the Kings, Whiteside couldn’t cut it, playing just a combined 19 games in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

But he has a 7-foot-7 wingspan.

He also has poor court awareness, maturity concerns and questions about his focus.

Did I mention his 7-foot-7 wingspan?

That incredible wingspan (plus quality athleticism) makes Whiteside an excellent shot blocker, and it also keeps NBA teams interested.

Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal:

Whiteside, whom Sacramento drafted No. 33 in 2010 after he’d received some lottery buzz, has a chance – albeit a long one – to make Memphis’ opening-day roster.

The Grizzlies have 14 players with guaranteed contracts plus Earl Clark, Patrick Christopher, Luke Hancock and Whiteside on unguaranteed deals. One of those four could earn the final roster spot, though Memphis could always stick with just 14 players.

With Marc Gasol, Kosta Koufos and Jon Leuer, the Grizzlies are set at center. However, if Whiteside performs well during training camp, they could use Leuer more at power forward and keep Whiteside as their third center.

Most likely, Whiteside will tempt the Grizzlies with all his tools. Then, they’ll waive him.