Can we get a fast break here?
A lot of NBA players are choosing to play overseas, where the take is presumably better. Former New Orleans backup point guard Jannero Pargo is one of them:
Pargo learned early in his career that his hold on the NBA was tenuous and that he needed to get what he could while he could. Switching teams six times in six seasons and never being offered a contract for more than two years will do that to you.
But surely some players are wanting to come here, right? Not so fast, Mr Hadadi:
“It has come to our attention that representatives of Hamed Hadadi, an Iranian basketball player, may be contacting NBA teams to discuss the possibility of signing Mr. Hadadi to an NBA player contract. We have been advised that a federal statute prohibits a person or organization in the United States from engaging in business dealings with Iranian nationals.” Yahoo Sports quoted NBA legal counsel as saying on Sunday.
This would presumably not stop Hadadi, a 7-2 center, from signing with the Toronto Raptors, who last I looked weren’t actually in the United States, but apparently he’s looking into becoming a Grizzly:
“I received many offers from European teams but just playing in the NBA is my dream. Hopefully, I can join Memphis as soon as possible without any problem.”
The Grizzlies could use Hadadi’s help: they’ve got Darko Milicic, who is really a power forward, and Marc Gasol, who is best known for being Pau Gasol’s brother. But the wheels of the bureaucracy grind exceedingly slowly.
And the Iranians are out of the Olympic hoops competition, having lost to Croatia, 91-57, though Hadadi came up with a double-double (17 points, 15 rebounds).
Update: The NBA has advised teams that they may now negotiate with Hadadi or other Iranian players.
Further update: He’s signed with the Grizzlies.
