Nba

Israeli-American Emanuel Sharp, son of Maccabi TA legend Derrick Sharp, gets drafted to the NBA

Following an outstanding career at the University of Houston, Emanuel joins a growing list of Israeli basketball talent to reach the NBA.

|ByRICHARD OFFENBACHER
Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars celebrates after the second half in the Final Four game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Duke Blue Devils at the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
ARIEL BEIT HALACHMI will have to deal with a depleted roster when Israel takes on Germany and Croatia next week in FIBA 2027 World Cup qualification.

Israel National Basketball Team begins prep for pair of qualifiers vs Germany, Croatia

Israel has opened its training camp ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Croatia, with several key players absent due to injuries and NBA commitments.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
The Empire State Building, JPMorgan Chase Building, and One Vanderbilt in New York City are illuminated in the colors of the New York Knicks during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2026, as seen from Bayonne, New Jersey.

The Knicks won on June 13, some Jewish fans think that’s more than a coincidence

Rabbi Justin Pines, CEO of JBS, noted the Holzman banner in a broadcast. “Coincidence?” he asked. “Or a divine reminder hanging right over the court?”

|ByPHILISSA CRAMER/JTA
Revellers and fans celebrating the New York Knicks' win over the San Antonio Spurs and World Cup festivities watch as a city shuttle bus catches fire outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York, U.S., June 14, 2026. The shuttles had been brought in to transport spectators to and from the New

World Cup bus set alight as chaotic celebrations erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win NBA

"They are expressing their happiness, a little bit violently, but it is what it is," said Youssef Sabbr, a 49-year-old Canadian of Moroccan descent.

|ByREUTERS

Serbia’s Nikola Djurisic, who has Israel connection, sees pre-NBA draft stock soar

While there will be no Israelis picked in this draft for the fourth year in a row since Deni Avdija was taken by the Washington Wizards with the ninth pick of the 2020 Draft.

JUNE 25, 2024ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
SERBIAN SWINGMAN Nikola Djurisic – who spent a year in Israel when he was a baby – is hoping to be picked in the first round of tonight’s NBA Draft.

No matter who wins the Finals, Jewish ‘NBA Countdown’ host Malika Andrews has become a star

Malika Andrews, ESPN's rising star and Jewish host of "NBA Countdown," excels in sports journalism, bridging her Jewish and Black identities while inspiring diverse communities.

JUNE 18, 2024ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
December 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; ESPN reporter Malika Andrews after the in-season tournament championship between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers at T-Mobile Arena.

Persistence pays off for Kiryat Ata's basketball star, James Batemon

Following a stunning sweep of Ramat Gan, Sharon Avrahami & Co. take on Hapoel Tel Aviv in semis.

JUNE 5, 2024ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
JAMES BATEMON has been at the forefront of Ironi Kiryat Ata’s resurgence this season, with the American guard propelling the club into the league semifinals.

Hulu’s ‘Clipped’ dramatizes real story of Jewish LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s downfall

FX's "Clipped" miniseries revisits Donald Sterling's Clippers saga. Sterling's racism, bans, and controversies unfold in this adaptation of "The Sterling Affairs" podcast.

JUNE 5, 2024ByJTA/JACOB GARVIS
Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

Robert Kraft’s foundation to air ad slamming campus antisemitism during NBA playoffs

“When you protest, bring your passion,” the ad begins. “Your tenacity. Your anger. But don’t bring hate to the protest.”

MAY 8, 2024ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was the keynote speaker at United Hatzalah's fourth annual New York gala on June 6, 2023

Deni Avdija is a must-see DC attraction

Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija shines in the NBA, showing growth and leadership for the Washington Wizards. His pivotal role in a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks highlights his potential

APRIL 4, 2024ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
IN HIS fourth NBA season with the Washington Wizards, Israeli Deni Avdija is averaging career highs of 14.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

Utah rabbis displayed ‘I’m Jewish and I’m proud’ signs at NBA game to send Kyrie Irving a message

As the Dallas guard dribbled the ball up the court, Irving yelled to the rabbis, “Don’t gotta bring something like that to the game.”

JANUARY 4, 2024ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
Kyrie Irving speaks during a postgame press conference, Jan. 1, 2024.

Actress Jamie Gratz: from seinfeld to richest in the world

From a lesser-known actress to owning an NBA team, Jamie Gratz's unexpected journey to staggering wealth.

DECEMBER 3, 2023ByWALLA!
With her husband

Miriam Adelson buying Dallas Mavericks

Richest Israeli and Jewish mega-philanthropist and casino owner strikes deal with Mark Cuban.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS
Miriam Adelson with late husband Sheldon Adelson at a basketball game

NBA star loses $61M after wife opens OnlyFans account

Joe Smith, former #1 Draft Pick, lost his fortune and revealed deep depression amidst his wife's controversial move.

NOVEMBER 28, 2023ByWALLA!
Claims that out of 61 million, he actually has only 18 million left (which became 3,000). smith