BATTIER BACK TO GRIZZ FOR THABEET
The Memphis Grizzlies acquired forward Shane Battier and point guard Ishmael Smith from the Houston Rockets for center Hasheem Thabeet, forward DeMarre Carroll, and a future first-round draft pick.
What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
Battier is one of the NBA's elite defenders and clubhouse leaders, so his presence should do wonders for the young Grizzlies locker room. He's also a former Grizz fan favorite, and provides instant help on the court filling in for the injured Rudy Gay. Losing Thabeet may hurt down the road (especially since Thabeet was the No. 2 overall pick in 2009) but Memphis already has several quality young big men (including Marc Gasol and Darrell Arthur). It's a lot to give up for Battier's expiring contract, but Memphis is always looking for financial breathing room.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
The Rockets have been spinning their wheels this season so a rebuild seems to be in order, and this is the first step in that. Battier will be missed for his defense and presence, but his contract was expiring. Getting a still-promising young player of Thabeet's potential is impressive here (especially since he could prove to be the long-term replacement for Yao Ming). Even more impressive: that Houston got a first-round pick in this deal as well, a coup for them. All in all they have to love this deal, and in the short term look for the surging Chase Budinger to step into the starting forward spot left by Battier and continue to show improvement. Carroll appears to have been a throw-in to make the salaries work, but like many of the Rockets he's young and still has untapped potential.
Fantasy impact
