In New York, where identities touch and collide, the Brooklyn Nets have written a unique page in the NBA 2025 Draft: with calls number 26 and 27 they selected Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, two young talents with Jewish roots. Their arrival goes beyond a simple statistical curiosity, is a strong sign of representation in one of the cities with the highest Jewish population in the world.
It has been the first time since 2006 that two Jewish players have been chosen in the same NBA draft. In that year, Lior Eliyahu and Yotam Halperin were selected in the second round, but never played in the American League.
For the Brooklyn Nets, the double choice represents a technical move as a symbolic gesture. The consecutive selection of two Jewish players attracted the media attention and lit the enthusiasm of many communities. The NBA, in an increasingly attentive context to cultural diversity, welcomes two new personalities ready to break the stereotypes and inspire the new generations.
In addition to the excellent numbers recorded in his season with the University of Michigan, Danny Wolf brings with him a strong Jewish identity, which he has always lived with pride. Born in Glencoe, Illinois, attended Jewish schools up to the fifth grade, observes the rules of Kasherut and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on the western wall of Jerusalem.
“In the field I heard that voice that said: ‘Six Jewish, so you don’t expect much from you as a player'” he told the journalist Mitch Albom. “Over time I started seeing the Jewish being as an opportunity to demonstrate my value.” Determined and aware of his role, he obtained Israeli citizenship to represent Israel at the European Fiba European Championships.
Ben Saraf, 19 years old, 1.98 meters, concluded a brilliant season in the German League, leading his club to the final with 12.8 points and 4.6 assists on average. Son of two former Israeli basketball players, wearing the number 77 in homage to the Jewish word “Mazal” (luck). Although the predictions gave it the second choice, it was selected at the end of the first lap, thus demonstrating not a little confidence in its potential.
With the arrival of Saraf and Wolf, the Jewish presence in NBA grows and diversifies. They join Deni Avdija, back from a growing season with the Portland Trail Blazers, EA Domantas Sabonis of the Kings Sacramento, currently under conversion to Judaism. Amari Bailey, chosen in 2023, also played in the G League and is part of this new cultural mosaic.
The NBA is not only a league of sportsmen, but a showcase of stories, backgrounds and identities. In an era in which religious and cultural belonging also becomes a vehicle of inspiration and debate, Nets launch a clear message: talent and identity can live together and strengthen each other.
Jewish NBA Players: Saraf & Wolf Drafted by Nets | 2024
