Houston Rockets

Report: Rockets claim first Iranian-born drafted player off waivers

Published Oct. 13, 2015 3:56 p.m. ET

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The Houston Rockets have added yet another player to their roster.

The Rockets claimed Iranian-born Arsalan Kazemi off waivers from the Philadelphia 76ers, bringing their roster count to 20. Teams are allowed to have 15 players on opening night rosters.

While Kazemi is unlikely to make the final roster, he could be pushed through waivers by the Rockets and sent down to play in the D-League.

Kazemi was originally drafted by the 76ers, where he became the first Iranian-born player to ever be selected.

Here's more from Blake Murphy of The Score:

"Not blessed with great size for a power forward - 6-foot-7, but with a 7-foot wingspan - or elite athleticism, Kazemi plays a headier, more ground-bound, hustle-oriented game. His offense may not appear NBA-caliber, but he's posted excellent rebounding and steal rates, which can be predictive of future NBA success.

The 25-year-old spent last season in the Chinese Basketball Association, averaging 15 points, 13.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 steals, while shooting 66.1 percent from the floor. In five summer league games this year, Kazemi averaged 3.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, shooting 42.9 percent."