Haddadi replaces Yakhchali in Nanjing's CBA roster

BEIJING -- Iranian center Hamed Haddadi has returned to Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) side Nanjing Monkey Kings' roster in place of compatriot Behnam Yakhchali.

A statement from the Nanjing club said that Yakhchali had sprained his left ankle in the last match against Zhejiang Lions and required treatment. It added that Lu Wei is also sidelined with an abdominal muscle strain, prompting the club to swap out their foreign player.

Haddadi had contributed 13.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.6 blocks per match before being cut from Nanjing's squad.

Featuring as a shooting guard, Yakhchali averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals in 11 appearances.

Nanjing, sitting 14th in the 20-team table, will host 16th-placed Shanghai Sharks on Friday.