Amir Coffey Opens Up About Joining Hapoel Tel Aviv and EuroLeague
Former NBA forward Amir Coffey has joined Hapoel Tel Aviv for the upcoming EuroLeague season. In a recent interview, the 29-year-old discussed his rapid decision to sign with the Reds, his connection to former teammates, and his readiness for European basketball.
Amir Coffey has begun a new chapter in his career. After seven seasons in the NBA, including six with the Los Angeles Clippers, the 29-year-old forward joined Hapoel Tel Aviv this summer. In an interview with the EuroLeague website, he shared that the decision to move to the Reds came together much faster than expected.
"To be honest, this was the first team I spoke with, and it was a bit of luck for me," Coffey said. "It just worked out that way." According to him, from the moment talks began early in the summer, he tried to gather as much information as possible about the club and life in Israel, reaching out to former teammates who had previously worn the red jersey.
Speaking with Former Teammates
"I definitely reached out to ask a few questions and hear about their experiences," Coffey said regarding Dan Oturu, Jonathan Motley, and Patrick Beverley. "All the feedback I received was positive. The conversations with them, along with further talks with the coaching staff and club officials, made me feel this was the right place for me at this stage. This was the first team I built a relationship with over the phone, and ultimately the only team I spoke with."
The connection with Oturu is particularly significant for him. "I’ve played with Dan almost my entire life," he shared. "We played together as kids in AAU, played against each other in high school, and then played together both in college and in the league."
The EuroLeague Atmosphere
Thanks to Oturu and other friends who moved to Europe, Coffey followed the EuroLeague over the years—and what caught his attention most of all were the fans.
"My first impression was actually from the fans—how crazy they are and how intense the arenas can be," Coffey said. "I’m definitely excited. I love big crowds and crazy fan bases, so it’s always fun to play in environments like that."
Coffey believes his versatility will allow him to integrate quickly with the Reds. "No matter where you go, you have to learn the system and the plays, and everyone has to learn their role," he explained. "My biggest advantage is my versatility and the ability to play multiple positions on both ends of the court."
An Underdog Mentality
The American forward went undrafted but managed to carve out a seven-season career in the NBA. He played 369 regular-season games with an average of 6.2 points and appeared in the playoffs in five seasons, including the Clippers' run to the Western Conference Finals in 2021.
"I’ve been an underdog my entire career and my whole life, so I got used to it," he said. "I know I need to do my job, whether people talk about me a lot or not. What matters is what your teammates think of you and what the coaching staff thinks of you."
Asked what he wants Hapoel Tel Aviv fans to know about him heading into this new chapter, Coffey kept his message short and clear: "Nothing out of the ordinary. I’m just here to win."
