Hapoel Jerusalem Signs Debonte Kakuk as First New Player for 2026/27 Season
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Hapoel Jerusalem signed American forward/center Debonte Kakuk from Spain's Murcia as their first new player for the 2026/27 season, following coach Sasha Obradovic's arrival. Kakuk brings NBA and European experience and aims to help the team meet its ambitious goals in the EuroCup.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Jerusalem signed Debonte Kakuk as their first player for the 2026/27 season.
- Kakuk, 29, averaged 11.4 points and 5.1 rebounds with Murcia in Spain.
- He played in the NBA with the Lakers and Spurs and in Europe with CSKA Moscow and Virtus Bologna.
- Kakuk signed a two-year contract and replaces Austin Wiley on the team.
- Coach Sasha Obradovic praised Kakuk's athleticism and competitive intensity.
- Jerusalem will face teams from France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Germany in the EuroCup group stage.
Hapoel Jerusalem announced its first signing for the 2026/27 season, acquiring American forward/center Debonte Kakuk from Spain's Murcia team. The announcement came shortly after the club learned its EuroCup group stage opponents, which include teams from France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Germany. Kakuk, 29, stands 2.03 meters tall and averaged 11.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game with Murcia. He signed a two-year contract with Jerusalem.
Kakuk brings extensive experience, having played in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers during their 2020 championship season and later with the San Antonio Spurs. In Europe, he also played for CSKA Moscow and Virtus Bologna in Italy. Kakuk expressed excitement about joining Hapoel Jerusalem, committing to giving his all to meet the club's ambitious goals and looking forward to engaging with the fans.
Coach Sasha Obradovic, who joined the club recently, praised Kakuk's athleticism, energy, toughness, and intensity on both ends of the court. Obradovic emphasized Kakuk's competitive nature and his expected contribution to the team's high objectives for the upcoming season. This signing follows the recent departure of Austin Wiley, whom Kakuk will replace on the roster.