hamed-haddadi-memphis-grizzliesHamed Haddadi is the first Iranian-born player in the NBA, and when he entered the game Wednesday night against the Clippers, two Fox Sports announcers mocked him. Haddadi is slender and has bushy hair, so naturally, the announcers – Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith – compared him to Borat.

Smith: “Look who’s in.”

Lawler: “Hamed Haddadi. Where’s he from?”

Smith: “He’s the first Iranian to play in the NBA.” (Smith pronounced Iranian as “Eye-ranian,” a pronunciation that offended the viewer who complained.)

Lawler: “There aren’t any Iranian players in the NBA,” repeating Smith’s mispronunciation.

Smith: “He’s the only one.”

Lawler: “He’s from Iran?”

Smith: “I guess so.”

Lawler: “That Iran?”

Smith: Yes.

Lawler: “The real Iran?”

Smith: “Yes.”

Lawler: “Wow. Haddadi – that’s H-A-D-D-A-D-I.”

Smith: “You’re sure it’s not Borat’s older brother?”

Smith: “If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I’m going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part.”
Lawler: “Here’s Haddadi. Nice little back-door pass. I guess those Iranians can pass the ball.”

Smith: “Especially the post players.

Lawler: “I don’t know about their guards.”

Clearly, Smith and Lawler are pop culture buffs and wanted to let viewers know that they’ve got material for blowouts. Kind of makes you wonder what they have in store for Omri Casspi when the Kings come to town.

Ralph Lawler, Mike Smith suspended for tonight’s Clippers telecast (LA Times)