Grizzlies bring back center Haddadi with new deal

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Memphis Grizzlies have re-signed Hamed Haddadi, bringing back the Iranian center.

Haddadi is the first Iranian ever to play in the NBA. The 7-foot-2 reserve center averaged 2.4 points with 2.2 rebounds in 31 games last season for the Grizzlies.

The 26-year-old native of Ahvaz, Iran, has spent the past three seasons with Memphis, averaging 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in 86 games.

Haddadi led Iran to an 8-1 record at the 2011 FIBA Asian Championship in China, averaging 15.4 points and 11.4 rebounds.

Memphis announced the deal on Saturday.

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