Amari Bailey Signs with Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona Basketball Club

American-Jewish guard Amari Bailey, previously linked with Hapoel Jerusalem, has officially signed with Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona. The 22-year-old, standing at 1.95 meters, was in advanced negotiations with Hapoel Jerusalem following an injury to their player Jared Harper.

While Bailey was in discussions with the Jerusalem team for a multi-month contract, Hapoel Beer Sheva also engaged with his representatives, culminating in the agreement announced today. Bailey possesses Jewish roots, which could potentially allow him to be classified as an Israeli player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League after his documentation is reviewed, though he will initially play as a foreign player.

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