Is James Wiseman headed to Israel? That’s a real possibility, Sportando’s Dario Skerletic relays.
According to Tomer Givati of Israel Hayom, Wiseman has received an offer from Maccabi Tel Aviv. The free agent center is reportedly considering a move overseas in order to play more consistently.
Wiseman appeared in four games with the Pacers this season before he was released the day after Christmas. The former No. 2 overall pick only appeared in one game during the previous season due to an Achilles tear.
Here’s more from around the international basketball world:
- Another Israeli team, Hapoel Tel Aviv, is reportedly in talks with another former NBA big man, Jacob Toppin, according to Alessandro Maggi of Sportando, via Sport5. Toppin is considered Jewish and therefore would not count as a foreign player, Maggi notes. Toppin was waived in mid-December by the Hawks as a two-way player after he underwent season-ending right shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. He suffered the injury in a G League game with the College Park Skyhawks.
- Former St. John’s star RJ Luis, the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, has committed to LSU but is likely to encounter a long eligibility fight, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. Luis went undrafted last year, then signed a two-way contract with the Jazz before being traded to the Celtics in early August. He was waived by the Celtics before signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate. The Maine Celtics waived Luis, who was injured, before he played a game.
- Joe Ingles said he was eager to keep playing. That’s why he signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United after finishing out the season with the Timberwolves, he told Olgun Uluc of ESPN. “I knew, deep down, I had that itch to play,” he said “We would play pick-up every game day, and I would be competing, I would play really well, I felt really good. I obviously just wasn’t getting the minutes with the team we had in Minnesota.”
Born in NY, went to HS in CT, went to college in Kentucky and Rhode Island, but “is considered Jewish” and counts as a local player in an overseas league???
I was not aware going to college in Kentucky disqualified you from Judaism
Judaism follows maternal blood lines. If your mother is Jewish, you are considered Jewish.
Yes sir —
“ Jewish Roots: Both Jacob and Obi are considered Jewish according to Jewish law because their mother, Roni, is of Italian Jewish descent. The brothers have both publicly acknowledged celebrating Jewish traditions, such as Passover, growing up.”
@LordBanana where did I say that? Can you not read? You got 3 upvotes? Why? Can those 3 upvoters not read either?
My main point was the fact a USA born and bred player “counts as a local player in an overseas league”. That should not be.
Wait until he hears about AIPAC lol
NYK2026 —
The fall of Wiseman has been crazy to watch. From #1 recruit(19 class) to #2 pick, to out of the league at 25. Rough
He’s not out the L yet. He just had major surgery. Is still recovering. Needs a half year in G-league. And the right team to help him. No reason why he can’t be a backup in this L.
It is kinda hard to put it all on him. He only played 3 games in college before the NCAA suspended him. They probably wouldn’t do it today. Drafted during COVID-19. Knee injury kept him out his second season. Won a title. Then tore his Achilles. So, he really hasn’t had the opportunity to play many games. They need those games to develop.
NBA hasn’t worked out well for him….
maybe he can go back to college.
College pays better than Macabi.
I forgot the Celtics being cheap and doing Luis dirty
Celtics could use Wiseman. They would have to be patient though lol.
Someone sign Wiseman
Joe Ingles may not be well known in North America based on his NBA career.
BUT
He’s very big down under.
Maybe the most insane opening sentence in HoopsRumors history lmao
I was about to say
I never thought of it. But, literally, it works. I’m not sure it’s within the intent of rule limiting a country to 1 naturalized citizen. But, in any event, since Jews can become Israeli citizens without going through a naturalization process, they’re outside the naturalization rule. Toppin is Jewish by birth. But the Law of Return applies with equal effect to those considered Jewish by birth and those that convert to Judaism (does need to be certified as legitimate). While I doubt Israel would call around asking players to convert, it doesn’t mean players can’t take note of this on their own. There is a good basketball culture there.