Press TV - The NBA league office has forbidden American basketball clubs from negotiating with Iran's Hamed Haddadi over joining an NBA club. Several NBA teams, including Memphis Grizzlies, have reportedly voiced interest in signing a contract with Haddadi after his brilliant performance in the Olympics.

"We have been advised that a federal statue prohibits a person or organization in the United States from engaging in business dealings with Iranian nationals," Yahoo! Sports quoted the NBA legal counsel as saying.

Iran's Haddadi (left) in the match against Lithuania

The league office further ordered the clubs not to enter talks with Haddadi's representatives unless the US Office of Foreign Assets Control grants a license for the clubs.

Haddadi scored 21 points for Iran in its fourth match in the Beijing Olympics against Argentina, which won the game 97-82.

Iran's assistant coach Mehran Hatami said, "I am sure he (Haddadi) will play there this season because he has been great (at the Olympics). He is a talented player. He is OK for beginning in the NBA. After practicing a few years, you will see that he will be one of the great players."

Haddadi has had an average of 16.5 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in Iran's four Olympic matches.

... Payvand News - 08/17/08 ...

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