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After a stellar performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Hamed Haddadi will finally make it to the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies signed the 7-2 Iranian center. Haddadi is the only player to average double-double (points and rebounds) during the summer games. He also played well during the stint of the Iranian national team in the US just before the olympics.

“We are pleased to sign Hamed,” said Chris Wallace, the Grizzles GM. “He is a young center who was very productive as a rebounder, shotblocker and scorer at the Rocky Mountain Revue Summer League in Salt Lake City, Utah, the 2008 Olympics and the FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament in Nanjing, China prior to the Olympics. Our coaching staff is eager to begin working with Hamed.”

My shot: I have seen Haddadi play and I think he deserves to play in the NBA. He is not as athletic as Yao Ming but he has a soft touch. Aside from being exceptional at the basicsWhat's good about him is he is a team player. His down side would be his speed and agility. At 7-2, 254-pound and 23 years of age, this kid is full of potential. I hope the Grizzlies will provide a good training and development core for Haddadi. Looks like he'll get the ample playing time with Memphis. The team does not have dominating center (only Marc Gasol, Darko Milicic) and so this Iranian will surely have a chance to shine.