David Roddy Joins Hapoel Jerusalem, Aims for EuroCup Victory Over NBA Career

David Roddy, the 25-year-old forward and first new signing for Hapoel Jerusalem, arrived in Israel on August 17 to prepare for the 2026/27 basketball season. Standing 1.96 meters tall, Roddy is set to play in Europe for the first time, expressing excitement about joining a historic club with a talented roster. He emphasized the team's main goal is to win the EuroCup and qualify for the EuroLeague.

Roddy, who was drafted 23rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by Philadelphia, acknowledged the need to adapt to European basketball, which he described as faster-paced and more physical, suiting his style better than the NBA. He recently participated in the World Cup qualifiers in February, gaining a glimpse of European play. Roddy promised fans a vocal leader who is competitive, versatile, and capable of making winning plays.

During his NBA career, Roddy played for several teams including Memphis, Phoenix, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, and Denver, appearing in 181 games with averages of 6.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. His best NBA season was 2023/24 with Memphis, where he averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds over 48 games. He signed a one-year contract with Hapoel Jerusalem worth approximately $1.5 million, with an option for a second year.

Roddy's arrival marks a significant step for Hapoel Jerusalem as they prepare to compete at a higher level in European basketball, aiming to elevate the club's status and achieve major trophies.