Arsalan Kazemi Preparing to Compete for Sixers Roster Spot

Former Oregon Ducks basketball player Arsalan Kazemi was drafted by the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers in second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. He has been with the organization since the summer of 2013. During that time he has played in Iran and China. He most recently played for the Chongqing Fly Dragons of the Chinese Basketball Association where he averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds per game. However, since the conclusion of Chongqing’s season in mid-February, Kazemi has been training in Houston, Texas.

Since being drafted, Kazemi has appeared in the Iranian Super League, the Chinese Basketball Association, the NBA Summer League, as well as the Iranian National Team. Throughout these experiences, he’s been a force on the glass, averaging 13.5 rebounds per game. The 76ers allowed more rebounds than any team in the NBA last season, thus making the case for Kazemi’s potential roster debut.

Feb, 28, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (14) celebrates his senior year against the Oregon State Beavers at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Arsalan Kazemi is widely regarded as an impact player, having both a transitional post-game, and a perimeter threat. He’s known for his ability to change the course of a game because of his hustle plays and his ability to penetrate the key. At 6’7″, Kazemi has the size and height necessary to do battle with big men, yet he is a threat to any player on the floor, evidenced by his nearly two steals per game that he averaged in college.

Kazemi will participate in the Summer League as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. From there, sources close to the Sixers indicate that Kazemi will remain with the team through the preseason.

What makes Kazemi an immediate asset to Philadelphia is his rebounding skill. If he can rebound effectively and remain a perimeter threat, the likelihood of the Sixers awarding him a regular season roster spot will surely improve. Of course, there are detractors; some people around the league don’t believe he has the killer-punch necessary to succeed.

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A successful Summer League performance could change everything for Kazemi, the first Iranian-born NBA draftee. Kazemi has a legitimate opportunity to make the 76ers roster; Sources say that Kazemi’s game has expanded, and they expect it to be evident as soon as he returns to the court.

If indeed his game has expanded, Kazemi could definitely give the Sixers something they’ve been in need of for quite some time: a quality glue-guy who consistently brings energy off the bench. As the 2015 off-season approaches, check back for updates on Arsalan Kazemi and other great players to be featured soon.

The Return of the Kazemi-Flex.