James Padin, Ex-Israeli League Player, Retires from Basketball at 38

James Padin, a 38-year-old basketball player who previously played for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Galil Elyon in Israel, announced his retirement from the sport on Friday. After a 16-year career, Padin shared his farewell in a social media post, expressing gratitude for the joy and opportunities basketball provided him. He reflected on his journey from growing up in New York to playing internationally, highlighting the people he met and experiences he gained. Padin encouraged young aspiring athletes to persevere and pursue their dreams, citing himself as an example of overcoming obstacles.

Padin began his professional career in 2010 after going undrafted, initially playing in Spain. His career included stints with prominent European clubs like Panathinaikos and Crvena Zvezda. His first experience in Israel was with Hapoel Jerusalem from 2017 to 2020. Following his time in Israel, he played in Spain, Kuwait, and Italy before joining Hapoel Tel Aviv and later Galil Elyon. For the last three years, Padin played in Uruguay, where in his final season, he averaged 13.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.