Hapoel Jerusalem Star Jared Harper Suffers Thumb Ligament Tear, Faces Months Out

Hapoel Jerusalem announced that their key player Jared Harper sustained a significant thumb ligament tear during practice, requiring a recovery period of three to five months. This injury will sideline Harper well into the 2026/27 season, causing him to miss major games in both the EuroCup and the Israeli Basketball Premier League. The EuroCup season is set to begin at the end of September, with the Israeli league starting around October 11, though that date is not final. Harper will miss at least seven EuroCup matches, including key games against Aris Thessaloniki and Ljubljana, as well as crucial league fixtures such as away games against Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Harper joined Hapoel Jerusalem in 2024 and quickly became one of the club’s best signings in recent years. Last season, he averaged 18.2 points over 23 league games and helped the team reach the semifinals of both the playoffs and the State Cup. Although he led the team to the finals in both competitions last year, he has yet to secure a major title with the club. This summer, Harper extended his contract with Hapoel Jerusalem for three more years, through the 2028/29 season, with a salary of $1.7 million per year, tripling his original contract when he first arrived two years ago.

The injury poses a significant challenge for coach Sasa Obradovic’s squad, especially in their backcourt depth, as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.