Israeli Prospect Noam Yaakov Nears NBA Dream with Cleveland
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israeli basketball player Noam Yaakov has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, aiming for a spot in the NBA's G League. The deal is seen as a stepping stone, with potential for a two-way or 10-day contract. Yaakov's path to the main roster is challenging due to the Cavaliers' existing contracts, but his defensive potential is noted. The G League season starts November 10, and the earliest date for 10-day contracts is January 5.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Noam Yaakov, ex-Hapoel Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- The contract is primarily a pathway to the NBA's G League, with a chance for a two-way or 10-day deal.
- Yaakov's path to the main Cavaliers roster is considered difficult due to existing contracts.
- The G League season begins November 10, and 10-day contracts can be signed starting January 5.
- Cleveland holds Yaakov's G League draft rights from the previous year's international draft.
- Other G League teams, like the Westchester Knicks, have also expressed interest in Yaakov.
Israeli basketball player Noam Yaakov, formerly of Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem, is nearing his NBA aspirations after signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This deal is primarily seen as a pathway to the NBA's G League, with the possibility of earning a two-way or 10-day contract with the Cavaliers later in the season. Yaakov's contract is structured with the understanding that he will likely play for the Cavaliers' G League affiliate.
The Cavaliers currently have 14 guaranteed contracts, and while Yaakov's path to the main roster is considered slim, his physical play and defensive potential are noted as assets. The team's roster situation, particularly regarding Mario Hezonja, who is also vying for a spot, could influence their decisions on minimum contracts. The G League season begins November 10, with the earliest date for 10-day contracts being January 5.
Cleveland holds Yaakov's G League draft rights from last year's international draft. A previous plan for him to play college basketball in the US fell through due to NCAA regulations. He has trained with the Cavaliers previously, alongside forward L.J. Johnson. The team's G League program, led by Liron Pe'anan, has a track record of developing talent.
Should Yaakov sign a two-way contract, his salary would be approximately $636,000 per season, allowing him to play up to 50 regular-season games before potentially converting to a full contract. A 10-day contract would yield about $73,000. While his NBA prospects were considered strong last year, his development is ongoing, and his ability to contribute to team success in the G League will be crucial for any potential NBA call-up. Other G League teams, such as the Westchester Knicks, have also shown interest.
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