Hapoel Jerusalem Signs Kenny Lofton Jr., Promising Physical Forward with Global Experience

Hapoel Jerusalem has introduced Kenny Lofton Jr. as their new reinforcement player. The 23-year-old American forward stands out due to his uncommon physical build for his position, measuring 1.98 meters tall and weighing around 125 kilograms during his NBA tenure. Despite concerns about his speed and fit in modern basketball, Lofton Jr. has leveraged his strength, touch, and technical skills to excel throughout his career.

Lofton Jr. began as a guard in high school in Texas before transitioning to forward, posting strong stats including 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game in his senior year. At Louisiana Tech, he quickly became a standout player, earning Rookie of the Year honors in Conference USA and later making the first team. His international breakthrough came in 2021 at the U19 World Championship, where he led the USA to a gold medal by outplaying French star Victor Wembanyama in the final.

Despite his collegiate success, Lofton Jr. went undrafted in 2022 but signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He excelled in the NBA G League, winning Rookie of the Year and participating in the Rising Stars game. He had a notable NBA debut start with 42 points and 14 rebounds but struggled to secure consistent minutes in Memphis and subsequent short stints with Philadelphia, Utah, and Chicago.

In October 2024, Lofton Jr. moved to China, signing with the Shanghai Sharks, where he thrived in the 2024/25 season, averaging 25.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, earning the league's Best Foreign Player award. However, the following season saw reduced playing time and production due to a faster playing style and additional foreign signings. Reports suggest Shanghai may part ways with him, sparking interest from European teams.

At just 23, Lofton Jr. has demonstrated talent and versatility across multiple leagues but has yet to find a long-term fit. Hapoel Jerusalem now hopes to harness his unique skills to strengthen their squad.