Kareem update

Here’s the latest on the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Memphis scuttlebutt, thanks to our friends at the Memphis Commercial-Appeal:

“The Grizzlies still are in ‘serious negotiations’ with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to help coach their centers, according to team owner Michael Heisley. Abdul-Jabbar visited Memphis on Oct. 25 to attend a practice and meet with Griz players and management. Heisley said both sides are trying to iron out a working arrangement.

“‘It’s a matter of how much time Kareem will give to us,’ Heisley said. ‘We’re trying to come to an understanding of how Kareem will work. I want to make sure we’re getting somebody who will give attention to these kids and help them. He’s got a lot of commitments.’

“Abdul-Jabbar, 62, is under contract with the Lakers after having tutored Andrew Bynum over the past several seasons. Memphis, however, asked for and received permission from the Lakers to speak with Abdul-Jabbar.

“‘He wants to come and we want him to come,’ Heisley said. ‘It’s really a question of whether he’s got commitments that will keep him away from the team more than we’d like.’