Iran's living legend Haddadi still giving everything

JAKARTA (Indonesia) - Hamed Haddadi is a name that resonates with basketball fans around the world. The Iranian icon has had a storied career, and his legend continues at another FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 38-year-old has long cemented his place in the history of Iranian basketball - becoming the first player from the nation to compete in the NBA and achieving numerous accolades with the national team.

Haddadi is a four-time FIBA Asia Cup MVP - winning the title on three occasions - as well as playing at two Olympics and now a fourth World Cup, although it was far from a certain thing this time around.

"HE'S OUR LEGEND. HE'S THE GREAT BASKETBALL PLAYER IRAN HAS EVER HAD."- Arsalan Kazemi on Hamed Haddadi

However, what makes Haddadi truly remarkable is his unwavering dedication to the sport, even in the face of adversity.

Haddadi suffered a major achilles injury at the start of the year, putting major doubt on his World Cup aspirations, but there was no way he wouldn't give everything to be present for his team.

"Recovery was so tough," admitted Haddadi. "I had a big achilles injury eight months ago, and they do not heal so fast. But my doctor, my family, my wife, they pushed me every day and I worked really hard to get back on the court.

"I’m so proud to be here in the fourth World Cup to help my teammates and my team."

Haddadi's presence on the court has been a testament to his resilience and determination. He may not be 100 percent, but he continues to give everything to the cause - averaging 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, whilst climbing into the top five in all-time blocks leaders at the World Cup.

While Iran have already been eliminated from Second Round contention after successive defeats to Brazil and Cote d'Ivoire, their veteran leader is doing what he can to help the next generation.

"We're looking for the future," Haddadi said. "It's good for the young players to play against big teams and big players to get some experience to play a high level of basketball."

"I tried to be here to push them all I could to play better. They're all good players, but have no experience."

Of course, Haddadi is more than just a basketball player. He is an icon and a role model for the Iran national team with his leadership and dedication inspiring countless young players in his home country.

So, what better player to help this transitional period for a young team - it's no surprise that his teammates are relishing every second in his presence.

"He’s our legend. He's the greatest basketball player Iran has ever had," stated Arsalan Kazemi. "I think if you put Yao [Ming] on the side, he's the greatest basketball player to me in Asia. Obviously, he's coming off the injury and really tried his best to just be with the team and help us in any way possible."

"I'm sure everybody is gonna miss him when it’s time for him to retire from the national team. They're gonna know what big of a presence he had on the court and off the court for us. It's kind of sad. I wish I had more time with him."

Haddadi's commitment to developing the next generation of Iranian basketball players is a testament to his character and his love for the sport. 

The achievements on the court speak for themselves, but it is his dedication and resilience that truly set him apart. Despite recovering from a major injury, Haddadi is here and continues to leave everything out on the floor - he knows this is his final World Cup, and is savoring every moment.

"This is my last World Cup, so I wanted to be here to play. My teammates say it's the last dance."

FIBA