Kia Sorento eyeing Iran’s Haddadi as PBA import
Hamed Haddadi. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Kia assistant coach Glenn Capacio said the Sorento are eyeing Iran center Hamed Haddadi as import for the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Finishing at the bottom of the standings along with winless Blackwater, Kia won’t have to deal with any height restrictions in getting an import.
“Of course we want to get a quality import and we would really get a big man,” said Capacio in Filipino after an 88-80 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors in their final game of the conference. “I think the PBA will give us unlimited height so we’re really looking for a big guy. A 7-footer or taller for us to fill what we lack.”
“For now we want Haddadi. We’ve been able to contact his agent through email,” said Capacio, whose team had problems handling the Road Warriors’ ageless center Asi Taulava.
And tapping the services of the 7-foot-2 giant, who has had stops in the NBA while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns, will immediately address the Sorento’s concerns with its frontcourt.
The only thing that could keep Haddadi, who has been the country’s thorn in international play as Iran’s main weapon, from playing in the PBA is his salary.
“It’s not sure yet if we’ll be able to get him maybe because of his salary. He’s an NBA-caliber player so his price is no joke,” said Capacio. “We hope to get him.”
The 29-year-old Haddadi spent five seasons with the Grizzlies from 2008-2013 and played 17 games for the Suns before he was waived. He now plays for the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association.
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