David Rudy Joins Hapoel Jerusalem Bringing NBA Experience and Physicality

Hapoel Jerusalem officially announced the signing of forward David Rudy on July 24, 2026. At 25 years old, Rudy is not a typical basketball player; he has played 173 NBA games across six teams and is known for his unusual physicality at 1.96 meters tall and 115 kilograms. His diverse athletic background includes discus and shot put as a child, football scholarship offers, and musical talent playing the saxophone, which may help his chemistry with teammate Jared Harper.

Rudy’s college career at Colorado saw a significant improvement in his three-point shooting, rising from 27.8% to 43.8%, leading to his selection as the 23rd pick in the NBA draft. He was traded to Memphis, where his tough, versatile style fit well with the team’s gritty mentality. However, despite solid defense and physical play, Rudy struggled with shooting consistency throughout his NBA career, never fully securing a stable rotation spot. He played for several teams including Phoenix, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, and Denver, often being traded as part of larger deals.

In the 2025-26 season, Rudy played in the NBA G League, shooting 38.4% from three-point range, which suggests improved confidence. Denver signed him on a two-way contract, but he saw limited playing time. Rudy’s role in Jerusalem is expected to be similar to that of Ish Wainwright, another former NBA player who became a key contributor in Israel through physical defense and setting screens rather than scoring.

Rudy’s main challenge remains his shooting consistency, but his physicality and defensive skills could make him a valuable asset in European basketball. His ability to guard taller players and create space for guards like Jared Harper could enhance Hapoel Jerusalem’s offensive flow. While adapting to European basketball’s style may take time, Rudy’s strength and versatility position him as a potentially impactful player in the Israeli league.