First Iranian Joins NBA, Good News? Not So Fast.

Despite initial news that the U.S. government may not allow recruiting of an Iranian player in NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday signed Hamed Haddadi with some undisclosed terms (money and length of contract, etc.). Haddadi led all 2008 Olympians in rebounding and blocks, and was the only player to average a double-double (16.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks) in the Olympics while playing five games for the Iranian National Team.

Apparently, Haddadi, a 7' 2", 254-pound center, and a native of Ahvaz, Iran, was being closely watched by NBA recruiters during the Rocky Mountain Revue Summer League in Salt Lake City, Utah, and despite losses of the Iranian Team, Haddadi was ranked by observers as very productive as a rebounder, shotblocker and scorer.

Haddadi, who spent the 2007-08 season playing for Saba Battery BC in the Iranian Super League, will join former Grizzlies Jake Tsakalidis and Cezary Trybanski as the tallest players in franchise history. He is also the second Grizzlies player to appear in the 2008 Olympics, joining center Marc Gasol, who captured a silver medal with the Spanish National Team.

MY VIEWS: While I am heartened by the news and the prospects of seeing coverage of an Iranian in the sports-crazed U.S. media, I feel sorry for Haddadi because he will be under spotlight and everything he does or says, now or in the future, will be deemed political. So except for some money for Haddadi, I personally don't expect this to create a positive outcome for him and the Iranian nation unless:

1- Haddadi does well during the coaching sessions. He needs to balance strength, physical stamina, hard work, diligence and discipline with politeness, modesty and sportsmanship. This he can learn from Hakim Olajuwon, the retired Muslim NBA player. I hope Haddadi never shows up late for practices, argues or fights with coaches and team mates, acts weak or complains, physically gets hurt or fatigued.

2- Haddadi does well during the games: Again by playing well and being physically and morally strong. Being the first Iranian player in NBA, Americans will quickly judge "All" Iranians based on Haddadi's performance on the field, in basketball playing skills and in sportsmanship.

3- Haddadi lives cautiously off-the field: With all the spotlights on him, his "personal" lifestyle will unfortunately be watched closely, perhaps by both Iranian and U.S. observers! They will perhaps look closely for things like drinking, personal relationships, religiousness, patriotism towards Iran or America. Remember he has to stand up for respect to American flag and national anthem in every game. And if he doesn't, he will be treated like Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (Chris Wayne Jackson after he converted to Islam) of Denver Nuggets*.

4- Haddadi acts cautiously and tactfully after the season: If Haddadi decides to apply for a Green card or US citizenship or decides never to go back to Iran, or make any statement that can be interpreted "for" or "against" any governments, he will quickly turn into a politically divisive figure in the shaky Iran-U.S. relationship.

So before you envy Haddadi, wish him good luck. He is quickly becoming the center of attention of two large nations in conflict. This is a lot of responsibility for a 23 year old athlete who has never lived or worked outside Iran.

* In addition to having one of the best free-throw records in NBA history, Abdul-Rauf is known for the controversy created when he refused to stand for The Star-spangled banner (American national anthem) before NBA games, stating that the flag was a "symbol of oppression" and that the United States had a long "history of tyranny". He said that standing to the national anthem would therefore conflict with his Islamic beliefs. On March 12, 1996, the NBA suspended Abdul-Rauf for his refusal to stand, but the suspension lasted only one game. Two days later, the league was able to work out a compromise with him, whereby he would stand during the playing of the national anthem but could close his eyes and look downward. He usually silently recited a Muslim prayer during this time.