Maccabi Tel Aviv Builds Deeper Roster Ahead of New Season with Key Signings

Maccabi Tel Aviv is close to finalizing a nearly complete roster for the upcoming basketball season. The team officially introduced Daniel Tice on Wednesday and plans to soon present Armando Bacot, who will complete coach Oded Katash's frontcourt lineup. Additionally, Maccabi secured Kiton Wallace on a two-year contract worth one million dollars per season to strengthen the backcourt. Wallace is expected to replace Loni Walker, who reportedly signed with the Denver Nuggets overnight.

Throughout July, Maccabi maintained continuous communication with Walker's agent, granting him permission to pursue NBA opportunities without obstruction. Although Walker engaged in talks with EuroLeague teams, his primary preference was to return to the United States. Wallace will be the eighth foreign player under contract alongside eight Israeli players, the maximum allowed by the Israeli Basketball Association for simultaneous registration.

Maccabi will start the season with a somewhat limited roster due to injuries to TJ Leaf and Gur Levi, whose return before the season opener remains uncertain. Their minutes will be partially covered by players like Shane Hunter, and Will Rayman is expected to see increased playing time. A team insider noted, "We have a deeper roster than in recent years, which provides flexibility to rest players and handle injuries."

The team is scheduled to begin training on August 20, in line with the agreement between the EuroLeague Players Association and the league. Maccabi's first EuroLeague game will be on September 24 against Villeurbanne. Prior to that, they will participate in a preparatory tournament in Cyprus and compete in the Israeli Super Cup against Hapoel Tel Aviv.