Three Israelis could be playing in the NBA starting next season. ESPN on Thursday published the predictions of Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo for the first round of the 2025 NBA draft, which will be held in June, and included not only Ben Saraf - as usual - but also Danny Wolf, the American-Israeli center who has recently become one of the most talked-about names in the U.S. college league.
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Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf are two Israelis poised to be drafted into the NBA this year
(Photos: Carlos Osorio/AP, IMAGO/Harry Langer/DeFodi Images, Reuters)
According to their projections, 18-year-old Saraf, who is in the midst of his first season with the German Ratiopharm Ulm team, will be selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder - the team with the second-best record in the league (30-6) and a serious championship contender. Wolf, who is in the midst of his first season with the University of Michigan and his third overall in college (he played two years at Yale), will be selected 21st overall by the Dallas Mavericks, according to the predictions.
Saraf, who is averaging 13.2 points (42.0 percent from the field), 5.0 assists and 1.4 steals this season, is said to "continue to turn in a solid season at Ulm, where he has had success in a playmaking role and showcased his fearlessness and craft as a scorer and passer. Saraf's defense can be a bit of an adventure, and there are some holes in his shot diet, namely his rim-finishing and 3-point shooting (27%). His turnovers (2.8 per game) are a critical area for improvement," according to Woo.
"Still, teenage prospects with Saraf's level of size and feel warrant long looks in the first round, and the quality season he is putting together likely could help him in June," he added.
Wolf, who is averaging 12.5 points (58.7 percent from the field), 10.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists this season, is, according to Givony: "A versatile big man who can play inside and out would be an interesting addition to the Mavs' roster. Wolf has helped his standing tremendously since transferring from Yale to Michigan, being tasked with point guard responsibilities despite standing 7 feet. He ranks as one of college basketball's best pick-and-roll players thanks to his unique ability to see over the top of defenses and deliver pinpoint passes with his impressive feel for the game."
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"Wolf also fills up the box score with rebounds, blocks and steals while scoring efficiently for what appears to be a very good Michigan team. Continuing to shoot and show off his unique style of play should translate to winning as well as better draft positioning in June," he added.
The third Israel is Deni Avdija, who is in his second season in the NBA, and his first season with the Portland Trailblazers.