On October 16th Maccabi Haifa will be coming to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves. While my synagogue (Temple of Aaron) and many other Jewish organizations get ready for the big game, I thought I would make an all-time Israel team made up of some Israelis and some non-Israelis who were in the Holy Land to play ball.
Starting 5
Forward – Cedric Ceballos – Ceballos played in 1 NBA all-star game but was most famous for his blindfolded dunk to win the 1992 dunk contest. After more than 10 years in the NBA, Ceballos played for Maccabi TA in 2002.
Forward – Willie Anderson – After more than 10 seasons in the NBA Anderson played his final years in Greece and Israel. Anderson averaged over 12 points a game during his NBA career.
Guard – Anthony Parker – Parker is a Maccabi TA on the Euro map, well he re-placed them on the map. His legendary status in Israel and Europe remains and he is still currently a productive player in the NBA.
Guard – Will Bynum – Bynum didn’t play long for Maccabi TA but it propelled him into the NBA where he currently plays for the Detroit Pistons. He is one of a few natural point guards on the list and we chose him over Farmar and Arroyo.
The Bench
Guard – Carlos Arroyo – Arroyo has bounced from the NBA to other various leagues. He is a consistent PG wherever he goes.
Center – Tal Brody – Brody skipped out on the NBA but was the reason Maccabi Tel Aviv and Israeli basketball in general ever became noteworthy.
Forward – Omri Casspi – The first Israeli ever to play in the NBA, Casspi is currently with the Cleveland Cavs.
Forward – Richard Dumas – While his NBA career was short he had a tremendous rookie campaign averaging 15.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg. He played briefly for Hapoel Holon.
Guard – Jordan Farmar – Farmar played with Maccabi TA during the NBA strike. He has been a solid backup in the NBA with the Lakers and Nets, however to looks to be headed to Turkey.
Guard – Šarūnas Jasikevičius – He only played in the NBA for a 3 seasons, but he continues to be a European star. He is currently in Barcelona after being a major player for Maccabi TA.
Guard – Roger Mason Jr. – Mason’s stay at Hapoel Jerusalem led him to the NBA where he recently signed with the New Orleans Hornets.
Forward – Ira Newble – Newable played 9 years in the NBA and in 2009 had a stint with Bnei Sharon.
Guard – Doron Sheffer – One of the greatest Israeli players ever. After his days at UConn he passed on the NBA and went to Israel. He played a short while before retiring.
Forward – Billy Thompson – After 6 years in the NBA he traveled Europe playing ball. He averaged 8.6 ppg and 5.4 rpg while playing for the Lakers, Heat, and Warriors. He is also a 2X NBA Champion abd BCAA Champion.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
– Jeremy Fine
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