Iranian 7 footer center signs with the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies signed free-agent center Hamed Haddadi, who led all 2008 Olympians in rebounding and blocks. He is also the only player to average a double-double (16.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks) in Olympic competition while playing five games for the Iranian National Team. The 7-2 Ahvaz, 254-pound center, Iran native was scouted by the Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace prior to the olympics in Rocky Mountain Revue Summer League in Salt Lake City, Utah,where the Iranian National Team played exhibition games against the NBA teams. The 23-year-old, who was not selected in the 2004 NBA Draft, recently averaged 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 25.5 minutes in two games for the Iranian team against NBA competition at the 2008 Rocky Mountain Revue.