Nba

Israel struggles in World Cup qualifiers, faces 'uphill battle' after disastrous opening window

Playing the “home” game in Riga is obviously not ideal for Israel, but the squad has faced this challenge since the outbreak of the war in October 2023.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
YAIR KRAVITS (right) and Team Israel were badly outplayed by both and Germany and Croatia in their opening two matches to 2027 World Cup qualifying.
Brooklyn Nets' Danny Wolf, December 5, 2025.

Avdija shines as Wolf and Saraf lift Nets in breakout night for Israeli NBA talent

Avdija powered Portland to a key win as Wolf and Saraf helped Brooklyn notch back-to-back victories.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ALTHOUGH BOTH their teams lost, Deni Avdija’s triple-double brilliance for the Portland Trail Blazers and Danny Wolf’s breakout shooting for the Brooklyn Nets highlight a banner weekend for Israeli and Jewish basketball.

Israeli NBA talent takes spotlight despite dual team losses

From Avdija’s triple-double heroics for Portland to the promise of Brooklyn rookies Wolf and Saraf, Israeli players continue to leave an unmistakable imprint on the NBA stage.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
MAKING HIS first national team appearance since 2022, Tamir Blatt reenters the fold at a pivotal moment as Israel begins its push toward the 2027 World Cup.

Israel opens World Cup qualifying campaign with tough tests vs. Germany, Croatia

“We are about to launch the next campaign that is very significant for Israeli basketball and for all of us,” noted Beit Halachmi. “It’s a very big challenge, but also a huge opportunity."

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

Avdija’s All-Star dream: New format could open door for Israel's rising star

Through 10 games with the Portland Trail Blazers, Avdija has been playing at an All-Star level, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on 47% shooting from the field and 37% fr

NOVEMBER 12, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ISRAELI FORWARD Deni Avdija is playing at an All-Star level for the Portland Trail Blazers through 10 games.

Avdija, Blazers rally from 22 down to hand reigning NBA champs Thunder first loss of season

Israeli forward Deni Avdija delivers a near triple-double in a dramatic comeback win, as talk grows about his next big NBA contract.

NOVEMBER 7, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
DENI AVDIJA powered Portland past OKC, handing the reigning NBA champion its first loss of the season, November 5, 2025.

From LeBron to Holon: Jordan McRae’s Israeli homecoming and his Purple pride - interview

Jordan McRae, a former NBA basketball player, discusses his prolific career and return to the Israeli league with The Jerusalem Post.

NOVEMBER 6, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
FORMER NBA champion Jordan McRae has embraced Hapoel Holon’s spirit in his return to the Holy Land, hoping to lead the Purples back to prominence.

Israeli basketball stars shine on NBA opening night: Avdija leads Portland, Saraf starts

Israeli basketball talent shone on NBA opening night as Deni Avdija led Portland and Ben Saraf debuted as Brooklyn’s youngest starter, marking a historic moment for Israeli hoops.

OCTOBER 23, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) brings the ball up the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Moda Center, October 22, 2025.

Vasilije Micic reminds Europe who he is, leads Hapoel Tel Aviv past Valencia

Micic wasn’t about to let anyone think that at age 31 he was done. After a mystical third frame, he was anything but finished.

OCTOBER 16, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
VASILIJE MICIC had a dominant Euroleague performance for Hapoel Tel Aviv at Valencia, leading the Reds to victory with a vintage display of skill and leadership

Less Rhodes, more NBA: Israelis discover sports vacations in America

A new trend in Israeli tourism: Sports vacations to the U.S. instead of Greece and Rhodes, with a significant rise in flights to NBA games and the World Cup thanks to Israeli players.

OCTOBER 7, 2025ByMEITAL SHARABI/MAARIV
NBATrips.

Maccabi Tel Aviv signs 28-year-old NBA vet Jeff Dowtin Jr., continues major retool

The move comes after weeks of negotiations and completes another major piece in the Israeli powerhouse’s backcourt rebuild plagued with ex-NBA's starts.

AUGUST 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Jeff Dowtin Jr. seen here during his stint last season with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers – joins Maccabi Tel Aviv on a three-year deal as part of the club’s revamped backcourt ahead of the upcoming Euroleague campaign.

Omri, Shani Casspi open up about heartbreaking pregnancy loss

"I’m grateful for the three treasures we have at home. Thank you to everyone for the messages, support, care, and concern," Shani Casspi wrote.

AUGUST 4, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
OMRI CASSPI and his wife, Shani, pose with their children.

After NBA setbacks and playoff heroics, Walker IV joins Mac TA

The former NBA guard joins the Israeli powerhouse before the 2025/26 season, expected to play a key role and boost athleticism and scoring in the yellow-and-blue’s backcourt.

JULY 28, 2025ByEMILY KLEIN
FORMER NBA guard Lonnie Walker IV, shown here during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, brings his scoring punch and playoff experience to Maccabi Tel Aviv.

NBA's Deni Avdija in house as Israel opens EuroBasket training camp

Blue-and-white’s NBA star leads the way as national team gathers in Tel Aviv to begin EuroBasket journey.

JULY 22, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
DENI AVDIJA will certainly be the focus in Israel’s EuroBasket roster, but the blue-and-white have a well-rounded and deep team poised to make noise in the tournament, which tips off in late August.

Hapoel Tel Aviv boosts squad with former Euroleague stars

Hapoel Tel Aviv continues to strengthen its roster with star players, aiming to conquer the country and potentially make a historic run in Europe.

JULY 9, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Chris Jones (left) and Tyler Ennis (right) are expected to be key pieces of Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Euroleague debut this season.