Hapoel Tel Aviv Signs American Forward Jacob Toppin for Three Seasons

Hapoel Tel Aviv announced the signing of American forward Jacob Toppin to a three-year contract through the 2028/29 season. The club has also initiated the process to grant Toppin Israeli citizenship due to his Jewish heritage, allowing him to register as a local player in domestic competitions. Toppin, 26, expressed excitement about joining the team and competing alongside his new teammates, aiming to win championships and embrace the club's culture.

The club's sporting director, George Chinas, highlighted Toppin's versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability, emphasizing his hunger for titles in the country of his roots. Head coach Dimitris Itoudis noted Toppin's commitment to help the team reach new heights and improve his game, praising his readiness to compete in the EuroLeague and Israeli leagues.

Toppin arrives after three seasons in the NBA and G League, including 31 appearances for the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, where he averaged 1.4 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game. In the G League, he posted stronger stats with 19.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. After four years in college basketball, including three at Kentucky, Toppin went undrafted in 2023 but signed with the Knicks and progressed through their G League affiliate before moving to Atlanta. This will be his first professional stint in Europe.