Iran - Hamed Ehadadi
Ehadadi is of course the most famous Iranian player worldwide – even if back home, he struggles for top billing with the hugely popular Samad Nikkhah. But becoming the first ever NBA player from Iran makes him, even thought he is only 25 years old, a legendary player in his country. He took plenty of time to adjust during a difficult first year in Memphis when he was sent to Dakota in the D-League a couple of times although last year he stayed with the Grizzlies for all of the season. That stability did not produce hugely impressive numbers although that was due to limited court-time in his role as a back-up center – sometimes he only got handed garbage time.
Date of Birth: 19/05/1985
Place of Birth: Ahwaz - Iran
Height: 2.18 (7-2)
Position: Center
Ehadadi is of course the most famous Iranian player worldwide – even if back home, he struggles for top billing with the hugely popular Samad Nikkhah. But becoming the first ever NBA player from Iran makes him, even thought he is only 25 years old, a legendary player in his country.
He took plenty of time to adjust during a difficult first year in Memphis when he was sent to Dakota in the D-League a couple of times although last year he stayed with the Grizzlies for all of the season. That stability did not produce hugely impressive numbers although that was due to limited court-time in his role as a back-up center – sometimes he only got handed garbage time.
Nevertheless, at this stage of his career and at the age of 25, there is still plenty of time for the star to blossom.
For the National Team he has generally been fantastic and has utilised his offensive talents to maximum effect and none more so than during the 2007 FIBA Asia Championships and then the Olympics when he averaged a stunning tournament double-double against the best teams in the World. In the 2009 summer, Hamed scored 15.8 points per game (shooting 53.3% from the field) and an impressive 13.1 rebounds average and was named MVP of the competition.
Was perhaps less influential last summer but the Iranian fans and even his team-mates will be hopeful he arrives motivated and looking to flourish again with the responsibility and joy of playing plenty of minutes for his country. Certainly they need his shot blocking ability and powerful moves in the paint since if he doesn’t play, things will be more than a little tough inside for Iran.