Israeli Guard Emmanuel Sharp Signs Three-Year Deal with Sacramento Kings

Emmanuel Sharp officially joined the NBA after signing a three-year contract with the Sacramento Kings on the night between Wednesday and Thursday. The 22-year-old guard, selected 45th overall in last week's draft, secured a deal worth $6.35 million, with the first two years fully guaranteed and the third year at the club's discretion. Despite second-round picks often needing to fight for roster spots, Sacramento's rebuilding process convinced the Kings' management to offer Sharp a guaranteed contract immediately.

Sharp will be one of four Israeli players in the NBA next season, alongside Deni Avdija, Ben Sharf, and Danny Wolf. This number could increase to five if L.J. Jones, picked 54th by Golden State, impresses during summer camps and earns a contract. Sharp recently completed a standout four-year college career at the University of Houston, starting all 37 games in his final season and averaging 15.5 points, 3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 37.2% from three-point range and 89.1% from the free-throw line, ranking as one of Houston's top scorers with 97 three-pointers and demonstrating strong defensive skills.

Houston finished the season with a 30-7 record, including 4-14 in the Big 12, and reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament before losing to Illinois. This marked Houston's fifth consecutive season with at least 30 wins and seventh straight Sweet 16 appearance. Sharp earned Big 12 First Team and Defensive Team honors, underscoring his status as one of the most complete and respected guards in college basketball. He will be the second Israeli to play for the Sacramento Kings, following Omri Casspi.