Hamed Haddadi Ron Hoskins/Getty Images/NBAE

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2008 – Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi, the first Iranian player to earn a spot on an NBA roster, was assigned to the Dakota Wizards, the Grizzlies’ NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced today by Memphis general manager Chris Wallace.

“The Dakota Wizards are a tremendous organization which the Grizzlies are fortunate to have as our affiliate,” Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace said. “We are eager to watch Hamed’s development under coach Duane Ticknor’s tutelage. This assignment will be a positive experience for Hamed.”

Haddadi, 7-2, who signed as a rookie free agent with the Grizzlies on Aug. 28 appeared in six preseason games, averaging 1.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 9.7 minutes. Haddadi made his U.S. debut as a member of the Iranian National Team at the 2008 Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City where he played two games and averaged 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 25.5 minutes.

The Ahvaz, Iran native represented his country at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. During the games, Haddadi averaged 16.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in five Olympic competitions for his national team.

Haddadi, the seventh NBA player to be assigned to the NBA D-League this season, will arrive in Bismark today and wear number 50.