a physical, high-character frontcourt piece whose Memphis story was cut short
In the 2017-18 season, Karim Sameh Azab gave Memphis rugged size at 6-foot-10, 270 pounds and flashed energy as a reserve, posting 15 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks in 15 games[1][11]. His value was less about volume and more about toughness, interior presence, and willingness to do the dirty work — the kind of big who could absorb contact, rebound, and defend without needing touches[1][14]. He also battled leukemia during that era, which makes his resilience and character a central part of his profile[1][2].
