Hamed Haddadi Scouting Report

[dmutombo321]

How would you guys assess Hamed's game? I've always viewed him as an intriguing big man prospect but hadnt had a chance to see him play much for you guys since he's buried behind Gasol and Thabeet.

While talented, he doesnt seem to be in a very good situation to succeed due to circumstance: He's certainly never going to beat out Marc for a starting spot and with a high pick invested in Thabeet, it looks like he'll go through another season without seeing the court.

I've watched a few of Iran's games in the FIBA World's during the past week and Hamed has been extremely impressive. I'm anxious to see how he performs against the US on Wednesday (as an individual of course since Iran wont stand a chance in hell to win)

Do you think he could blossom into a good NBA starting center if he was given minutes and significant court time for another team?

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

It is true that he's in a difficult position with the Grizz. On the one hand there's Marc Gasol. He's is undeniably the most talented of the 3 Grizz bigs. On the other hand, he's stuck behind Thabeet. While Hamed is more skilled now than Thabeet is now, Hasheem is more athletic and has more potential upside - not to mention the salary and where he was drafted.

In regards to Hamed's game at the NBA level, he's making strides, but he's still a step or three slow to be an effective night in night out guy. His ceiling will be as a rotation/reserve big man who will shine against certain match ups.

[vanjulio]

Haddadi did not go to DLeague last season did he? only his rookie year I think. He should be ahead on the depth chart but obviously they want to develop Thabeet. Haddadi plays spirited like Marc Gasol and you always see him match up man to man against the other team's center. Thabeet just seems like he is there on his own when he gets in. It's not like he's matched up - I just see a guy out there running around. Thabeet's not actually posing any real threat or challenge to the other team. Haddadi on the other hand is proven to match up against all the best centers of the league already. He's a force, plain and simple.

I really thought Haddadi would have been a great replacement for Yao Ming. Now I'm thinking this season he'd be great next to Stoudamire on the Knicks. He needs to finding a starting role with a team and I think he's more than capable to do it.

[ThreeYearPlan]

His lack of speed gets exposed all the time which is one of the biggest reasons that he picks up fouls faster than a cheetah on steroids and even Thabeet I believe. He'll never be anything more than a roster spot and an emergency big imo

[dark-child]

HIS POSITIVES:
He is the best Iranian player we have ever seen
After Political figures & Rudy Bakhatiar from Headline News, he is the most famous Iranian in the USA
He doesn't have the biggest head in the NBA, currently in second after Yao Ming
Leading Rebounder in last Olympics
Decent free throw shooter

HIS NEGATIVES:
He thinks he is a superstar (so no obvious sense of reality)
No real development from first year to now (Grizz organization has not historically developed Bigs)
Mechanical, and not very athletic
Has a good feel for the game, but does not necessarily have a high basketball IQ
No Offensive game, but not a defensive liability

I hope that helps

[jefe]

As others have said, Haddadi is a solid big to have in your rotation - but he's not starter material. He lacks the athleticism and speed needed for consistent minutes, but he does have a good feel for the game and decently developed skills. Unfortunately, drafting Thabeet all but assured that Haddadi would get no real PT in Memphis . . . yet another reason why the Grizz should have listened to Wallace and taken Reke.

[It_Was_Typed]

He's big but slow as molasses. Offensively, he shows some range on his jump shot and is a surprisingly good passer. Defensively, he takes up space. Overall, he's a serviceable back up center.

[BarbaGrizz]

He´s the best 3rd string center in the NBA.