Amir Coffey Joins Hapoel Tel Aviv as Key NBA Veteran Signing for EuroLeague Campaign

Amir Coffey, a 2.01-meter guard-forward and NBA veteran, signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv in July 2026, marking his first season playing professional basketball in Europe. Coffey, 29, previously played 369 NBA games, primarily with the Los Angeles Clippers alongside stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. His NBA journey was unconventional, starting undrafted from the University of Minnesota and initially on a two-way contract with the Clippers. Over time, injuries to key players elevated his role, and in the 2021-22 season, he became a regular rotation player, averaging nine points in nearly 23 minutes per game and earning the trust of coach Tyronn Lue for his versatility and basketball IQ.

Despite a reduced role in the 2022-23 season, Coffey remained resilient, improving his three-point shooting to 40.9% and averaging 9.7 points per game. After the Clippers shifted their roster focus, he moved to Milwaukee Bucks, reuniting with coach Doc Rivers, but saw limited playing time due to injuries and team dynamics. He was later traded to the Phoenix Suns but struggled to make a significant impact.

Hapoel Tel Aviv expects Coffey to fill the role previously held by Colin Malcolm, not as a primary scorer but as a versatile defender and reliable shooter who can guard multiple positions (1-4) and contribute crucial small plays. Coffey’s three-point shooting over the past three seasons stands at 39.2%, slightly below Malcolm’s 41.6%, but with more attempts, representing an upgrade for Hapoel, which struggled with shooting last season. His physicality and length also add defensive toughness, potentially allowing him to play as a small-ball center in EuroLeague lineups.

Coffey’s signing reflects Hapoel Tel Aviv’s summer strategy of enhancing the existing roster’s core strengths rather than pursuing flashy names. The club aims to build on its recent EuroLeague playoff appearance with players who bring incremental improvements and versatility. Coffey is expected to gradually adapt to European basketball and become a key contributor in his debut season.

Summary: Amir Coffey, an NBA veteran with experience alongside Kawhi Leonard, signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv in July 2026 to play his first European season. Known for his versatility, defense, and improved three-point shooting, Coffey is expected to strengthen Hapoel’s EuroLeague roster and fill the role of a key rotational player.

Points: - Amir Coffey signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv in July 2026 for his first European basketball season. - Coffey played 369 NBA games, mainly with the Clippers alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. - He improved his three-point shooting to 40.9% in his last NBA season, boosting Hapoel’s shooting depth. - Coffey is valued for his defensive versatility, able to guard positions 1-4 and play small-ball center. - His signing fits Hapoel’s strategy of upgrading core players rather than acquiring star names. - Coffey is expected to gradually adapt and become a key rotation player in EuroLeague competition.

Topic: sports

Entities: {"people": ["Amir Coffey", "Kawhi Leonard", "Paul George", "Tyronn Lue", "Colin Malcolm", "Doc Rivers", "Giannis Antetokounmpo", "Bradley Beal"], "organizations": ["Hapoel Tel Aviv", "Los Angeles Clippers", "Milwaukee Bucks", "Phoenix Suns", "NBA", "EuroLeague"], "places": ["Europe", "United States"]}