Well, that didn’t take long at all.

Just over a week after Hamed Haddadi (ha-MED ha-DAHD-dee) was cleared to talk and negotiate with NBA teams, the 7-2, 254lb center from Iran reportedly has signed a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.  If Haddadi makes the team, he will become the first Iranian player in the NBA.

It was reported last week that NBA teams were barred from dealing with not just Ehadadi, but any player from Iran.  The ban was lifted after the NBA was able to obtain a license from the US Government.

Haddadi averaged 16.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks for the Iranian national team during the 2008 Olympics, including a 21 points and 16 rebounds against Bronze-medalists Argentina.  In fact, Haddadi led all Olympic players, including Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki, in rebounds and blocked shots.  Despite his team losing all five games, the 23-year old centers play in the pivot opened many eyes, and interest in the Saba Battery club player was high.

“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.”

Links and Resources: NBA Teams cleared to sign Hamed Ehadadi, Iranian basketball players (Interbasket), Grizzlies sign Iranian Hamed Haddadi (Yahoo!), Grizzlies sign Iranian center Hamed Haddadi (NBA.com)