Hapoel Jerusalem has made two of its most intriguing moves of the summer, bringing in former NBA forward David Roddy and Chinese Basketball League MVP Kenneth “Kenny” Lofton Jr. as the club continues to build an ambitious roster under new head coach Sasha Obradovic.
Roddy, a 25-year-old versatile forward, has signed a one-year contract with the club after spending the past four seasons in the NBA. Selected 23rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by Philadelphia on behalf of Memphis, Roddy began his professional career with the Grizzlies before also playing for Phoenix, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston and Denver.
He made 181 NBA appearances over the course of his career, averaging 6.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and one assist per game. Last season, he appeared in five games for the Nuggets and averaged eight points and four rebounds per game.
Roddy also played 53 games in the NBA G League, where he averaged 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Capable of playing both forward positions, he is known for his physicality, intensity, shooting ability and passing, with Jerusalem hoping his versatility and experience at the highest level will add both depth and toughness to the roster.
“I am excited to join Hapoel Jerusalem and open this new chapter in my career,” Roddy said. “I have heard so many good things about the club and the fans, and I can’t wait to experience it for myself. The conversations with coach Sasha Obradovic and the club’s management made me feel that this is the right place for me. I am coming here to work hard, do whatever is needed to help the team win and fight alongside my new teammates to achieve all of our goals.”
“David brings experience at the highest levels, versatility, physicality and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways,” Obradovic said. “He brings toughness, energy and a competitive mentality — exactly the qualities we want to see in our team. I am sure he will contribute greatly, and I look forward to beginning work with him.”
Chinese league MVP Kenny Lofton Jr. joins the fray
Jerusalem has also landed one of the biggest names in the Chinese league, signing 23-year-old, 6-foot-6 forward Kenny Lofton Jr. through the end of the 2026/27 season. Lofton will reportedly earn $1.3 million for the upcoming campaign.
Lofton arrives in Israel with experience in the NBA, G League and China. He played 49 NBA games over two seasons with Memphis, Philadelphia and Utah, including a memorable performance in April 2023 when he scored 42 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in his first start for the Grizzlies against Oklahoma City.
However, Lofton truly established himself as a star in the G League. He was named Rookie of the Year during the 2022/23 season with the Memphis Hustle and was selected to the All-G League team in both of his seasons. Across 51 games, he averaged 23.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
In October 2024, Lofton moved to China and signed with the Shanghai Sharks. He immediately became one of the league’s biggest stars, winning MVP honors in his first season after averaging 24.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. He also helped Shanghai win the title last season.
Lofton was previously on Jerusalem’s radar for several years, with the club attempting to sign him two years ago before he opted to continue pursuing an NBA opportunity. He subsequently moved to China, where his salary was beyond Jerusalem’s budget at the time. The club renewed its interest this summer, and the two sides ultimately completed the deal.
Jerusalem plans to use Lofton primarily as its starting power forward, although his size and physicality will also allow him to play center.
“I am happy to join Hapoel Jerusalem and begin my journey in European basketball,” Lofton said. “From the first moment, I was impressed by the club’s high ambitions. I want to thank coach Sasha Obradovic and the management for the trust they have shown in me. I am already looking forward to arriving in Jerusalem, meeting the fans, getting to know my new teammates and fighting in every game for the club. Yalla Hapoel!”
“Kenny is a player with a rare combination of strength, talent and the ability to impact the game,” Obradovic said. “He will give us a significant presence in the paint, control on the boards and a variety of offensive abilities. He has proven himself at every stop in his career, and we are certain that he will add significant quality on both ends of the floor. We are thrilled that he is joining Hapoel.”
Lofton is the fourth new addition to Jerusalem’s roster this summer, joining guard Jalen Smith, center Devonte’ Kakok and Roddy. The club has also extended Jared Harper’s contract through the end of the 2028/29 season on a reported $1.7 million annual deal, while Roddy is set to earn approximately $1.5 million this season with an option for a second year.
With two players boasting NBA experience and Lofton arriving as a proven international star, Jerusalem is making a clear statement of intent as Obradovic puts together a roster designed to compete on multiple fronts.