Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said that Hamed Haddadi, the first Iranian player in NBA, has improved a lot and has a good future in the league.

Hollins answered the questions of Tehran Times' correspondent via e-mail, in which he talked about Hamed Haddadi for the first time since the Iranian joined the NBA team.

The Memphis Grizzlies' Coach Hollins interview is as follows:

Q:Iranian Hamed Haddadi has had limited minutes so far this season. What can you say to Iranian fans who look forward to seeing him play?

A:Hamed`s fans will have to be patient. We have a lot of talent at center with guys like Marc Gasol, Hasheem Thabeet and Hamed. His time will come eventually. 

Q: How would you assess Hamed since entering the league? Can he remain hopeful about his future in Memphis?

A: He has improved a lot. From last year to this year he`s been amazing in his level of improvement. Where he has come from to where he is now has been a huge jump. He obviously has a long ways to go. The thing that he has to work on now is his effort, energy and passion for the game. I think he has a good future in Memphis if he works on those things.
 
Q: Will you likely assign Hamed to the D-League?

A: No. There is not a chance at this time of him being sent to the NBA D-League.
 
Q: What elements of his game do you suggest he works on in order to become a regular in the rotation?

A: He needs to work on everything. There is never just one thing as a basketball player you need to work on until you become an All-Star player. Then, when you are at that level, there is specific parts of your game you start working on. Until you become that type of player, you need to work on every part of your game "rebounding, defense, boxing out, screening, scoring in the post and passing." Hamed is trying extremely hard to get to that point, and he has improved dramatically since he first arrived.

... Payvand News - 12/06/09 ... --

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