Hapoel Tel Aviv Secures "Best Israeli Player" Jacob Toppin After Months-Long Project

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

Plus

Hapoel Tel Aviv has signed forward Jacob Toppin, who is expected to become an Israeli citizen within a week and be called "the best Israeli player in the league." The club pursued Toppin for months, with scouts praising his all-around game. His contract is worth $1.5 million per season and includes an NBA out-clause. Toppin is currently playing only in the EuroLeague until his naturalization is complete.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Hapoel Tel Aviv signed forward Jacob Toppin, expected to become the "best Israeli player in the league."
Toppin's naturalization as an Israeli citizen is anticipated to be finalized within a week.
The club pursued Toppin for months, with scouts praising his all-around game.
His contract is worth $1.5 million per season and includes an NBA out-clause.
Coach Dimitris Itoudis relies on Toppin's intensity, versatility, and defensive impact.

Hapoel Tel Aviv has finalized a months-long project to acquire forward Jacob Toppin, who is expected to become an Israeli citizen soon, potentially making him the "best Israeli player in the league." The team identified the need for a senior naturalized player and marked the Jewish forward as a top target.

Professional manager George Hinnas and scout Danny Danieli had been tracking Toppin for years, observing him during summer league games. Their report highlighted his all-around capabilities, stating, "He can do everything on the court, defensively and offensively. He will be the best Israeli player in the league." Owner Ofer Yanai greenlit the deal, agreeing to a contract worth $1.5 million per season.

Toppin's long-term contract includes a special clause allowing him to move to the NBA for a "compensatory fee" of approximately $1 million, with no buyout for European teams over the next three years. Hapoel Tel Aviv views Toppin as a key player, with coach Dimitris Itoudis relying on his intensity, versatility, and defensive impact. Toppin is currently playing only in the EuroLeague to avoid taking up a foreign player spot until his naturalization is complete.

Hapoel Tel Aviv is confident Toppin's citizenship will be finalized within a week. Coach Itoudis expressed his anticipation, stating, "It will happen any day, I'm waiting for it more than you." Toppin is set to help Hapoel Tel Aviv in their upcoming EuroLeague game against Anadolu Efes.

The coverage