Basketball Player Amari Bailey Reverses Course, Signs with Hapoel Be'er Sheva

In a surprising turn of events, American basketball player Amari Bailey, who was reportedly in advanced negotiations with Hapoel Jerusalem, has reached an agreement to play for Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Dimona instead. Bailey, 22, was considered by Hapoel Jerusalem as a potential replacement for injured guard Jared Harper.

However, Hapoel Be'er Sheva simultaneously engaged with Bailey's representatives and successfully finalized terms for the upcoming season. Bailey, who has Jewish roots, may eventually be classified as an Israeli player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League pending review of his documentation, though he will initially play as a foreign import. The deal with Be'er Sheva is reportedly independent of any discussions Hapoel Jerusalem may have had.

Bailey was selected 41st overall in the 2023 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets after one year at UCLA. He played only 10 games in the NBA during the 2023-2024 season, averaging 2.3 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in limited minutes. He had more success in the NBA G League, averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists for the Hornets' affiliate. He began the 2024-2025 season in the G League with the Nets' team before moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves' G League squad, where he averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds.