TEHRAN – Iranian legendary basketball center has signed for Palayesh Naft Abadan club.

The media reports had reported he would join Zob Ahan but Haddadi joined Palayesh Naft.

Haddadi, the only Iranian to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA), retired from international play at the age of 38 after his team were eliminated from the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Haddadi became the first and, yet only Iranian player to join the NBA when he signed for the Memphis Grizzlies as an undrafted free agent.

Between 2008 and 2013 he appeared in 151 regular season games for Memphis and Phoenix. Haddadi averaged 2.2 points per game. He also made 13 post-season appearances for the Grizzlies.

He has most recently played for the Sichuan Blue Whales, which marked his fourth stint with the Chinese Basketball Association team.