Two Israeli guards, Emmanuel Sharp and Noam Yaacov, are expected to be picked in the NBA Draft next week, with Sharp even having a chance to go in the first round. The article says the most optimistic realistic scenario would leave Israel with five players in the NBA next season, including Deni Avdija in Portland in 2026/27, while Deni Wolf and Ben Saraf could take on larger roles in Brooklyn after promising rookie flashes. The draft format is two rounds of 30 picks on separate days, with first-round selections getting guaranteed two-year deals plus team options, while second-round picks usually receive shorter deals, though most still reach the league.
Sharp, the son of former Maccabi Tel Aviv legend Derrick Sharp, was born in Israel and lived in Herzliya until age 13 before his family moved to the United States. He became one of college basketball’s biggest names at Houston, helping the Cougars reach the Final Four, and is projected as a role player rather than a star. His value comes from shooting and defense, he hit 37.2% from three on seven attempts per game and 89.1% from the line, and scouts view him as a smart, low-maintenance player who can help contending teams immediately. The piece says recent NBA trends favor such players, especially on low second-round salaries, and notes that Sharp could be the first Israeli ever drafted by the New York Knicks if they use the 31st pick. Boston at No. 27, Minnesota at No. 28, and San Antonio at No. 35 are also listed as possible fits, with a plausible range of picks from 25 to 40.
Yaacov has also surged recently, going from a G League camp invite to an NBA camp and climbing draft boards, including to No. 47 in The Athletic’s latest projection. The former Hapoel Tel Aviv guard, known as a physical player with a strong first step, chose to become Ostend’s starting point guard this season, and the gamble paid off as the team reached the Belgian league final and he looked like its best player in a weak competition. He showed notable improvements in shooting and in directing the offense, and when he was making shots, he was described as unstoppable. The article says his NBA fit is more uncertain because he is still raw, but his playmaking and ability to change games off the bench could make him a sixth-man type. If he is not drafted, he is expected to play at Utah next season and could re-enter the NBA race after one year, though not through the draft. Possible landing spots mentioned for him include Orlando at No. 46, Denver at No. 49, and Houston at No. 53, though he could also go undrafted.
