Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv has officially secured the services of forward Jacob Toppin, signing the promising athlete to a three-year contract that will keep him with the team until the conclusion of the 2028-29 season. This strategic acquisition is a significant move for the Israeli club, aiming to bolster its roster with a player who has shown considerable potential in both the NBA and G League systems.
Toppin, who is 26 years old, comes to Hapoel after spending several seasons developing his skills within the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks organizations. Although his NBA game appearances were limited, he demonstrated his capabilities in the G League, where he posted impressive statistics. Over 73 G League contests, he averaged 19.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, with strong shooting percentages from both two-point and three-point range. His most impactful G League season came in 2024-25, where he averaged 22.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 23 games, showcasing his scoring prowess and all-around game. His athleticism was a notable asset during his time in the United States, even leading to his participation in the 2024 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest.
Adding another layer to this signing, Hapoel is actively pursuing Israeli citizenship for Toppin, leveraging his Jewish heritage. If successful, this would enable the club to register him as a domestic player for local competitions, offering greater flexibility in roster management. Toppin expressed enthusiasm for joining Hapoel, stating his eagerness to compete with his new teammates and contribute to the team's pursuit of a championship. This signing is a key component of Hapoel's comprehensive roster restructuring, following a strong 2025-26 EuroLeague season where they finished sixth in the regular season but were ultimately eliminated in the playoffs by Real Madrid. The team has also welcomed other notable additions like Amir Coffey, Khadeem Carrington, Zach LeDay, and Tomas Satoransky, while seeing several players depart, signaling a clear intent to build a competitive squad for future campaigns.
This strategic move by Hapoel Tel Aviv demonstrates a proactive approach to team building, combining international talent with an eye towards domestic advantages. The integration of a player with Jacob Toppin's potential and the team's ongoing roster adjustments reflect a strong commitment to achieving sustained success and challenging for top honors in both local and international basketball.
