Maccabi Tel Aviv Finalizes Frontcourt with Two New Centers for 2026/27 Season

Maccabi Tel Aviv is close to completing its roster for the 2026/27 basketball season after reaching agreements with two centers, German Daniel Theis and Armando Bacot. Theis, standing 2.03 meters tall, agreed to a two-year contract worth $2.2 million per season. The club is awaiting his official release from French team Villeurbanne, which is currently facing severe financial difficulties. Theis, who has nearly a decade of NBA experience and contributed significantly to Germany's recent World and European Championship victories, is expected to be the starting center under coach Oded Katash.

Alongside Theis, Maccabi plans to sign 26-year-old Armando Bacot, 2.08 meters tall, who will serve as the third center. Bacot had a modest rookie EuroLeague season with Fenerbahçe, averaging 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10 minutes per game, but showed strong performance in the G League with Memphis, averaging 16.8 points and 9.5 rebounds. The club believes Bacot can develop into a key player in Europe under Katash's guidance.

In addition to the two foreign centers, local player Shane Hunter (25, 2.08 meters) is expected to return from a loan to Legia Warsaw, where he helped win the Polish championship, averaging 9.2 points and 5 rebounds. Hunter will add depth to the frontcourt alongside Roman Sorkin and T.J. Leaf, providing important Israeli presence and backup options for the EuroLeague.

The only remaining uncertainty in the roster is the future of Loni Walker, who appears likely to leave the team. His departure would free up budget space to sign a replacement guard, completing the squad for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, American guard Armoni Brooks, once considered a candidate for Maccabi, is reportedly leaning toward joining Real Madrid due to the security situation in the Middle East and Villeurbanne's financial collapse.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is thus solidifying its frontcourt with a mix of experienced international players and promising local talent as it prepares for the new season under coach Oded Katash.