David Roddy opens up on move to Hapoel Jerusalem and NBA exit

David Roddy arrived at Hapoel Jerusalem this summer after four seasons in the NBA, during which he moved between multiple teams and struggled to find stability. The 25-year-old forward, selected 23rd in the 2022 NBA Draft, spoke extensively on the "Euro Insiders" podcast about his decision to leave the United States, the disappointments he experienced in the top league, his new teammates in Jerusalem, and the team's high ambitions despite not playing in the EuroLeague.

"Hapoel approached me early on and expressed interest," Roddy said regarding the initial contact with the Reds. "Before that, there were a few talks with my agent about teams interested in me in the EuroLeague and in Europe in general, but at that stage, my goal was still the NBA. I didn't want to give anyone false hope or waste their time. Later in the summer, I started to realize I probably wouldn't get an offer as a free agent, so I decided to try to find a team in Europe."

Ambitions in Europe and Hapoel's Project

Roddy further commented on choosing Israel: "Hapoel was one of the first teams to approach me and show real interest. This team is moving in an excellent direction. It's a very interesting project, and the EuroCup is a competitive tournament. This is an exciting opportunity, with a new coach and new players, hopefully to win the EuroCup and advance to the EuroLeague."

When asked if he still aims to return to the NBA, he replied: "Right now I'm just trying to do the best I can. For years I was busy thinking about the next place I wanted to get to, instead of concentrating on where I am. Now I want to focus on the present and become a better basketball player. I think in Hapoel Jerusalem and the EuroCup I can maximize my abilities. If an opportunity to return to the NBA comes along later, of course I will consider it, but right now I am concentrating on where I am."

Reuniting with Kenneth Lofton Jr.

One of the players Roddy knows well is Kenneth Lofton Jr., with whom he played on the Memphis Grizzlies and has now reunited in Jerusalem.

"It was great to play with him. He is a tremendous talent. I played against him in college too, and you simply cannot guard him. People don't understand how strong he is. He is very strong, has great abilities, and knows how to pass excellently, especially from the free-throw line area. He is also a very competitive player. This is exactly the kind of player you want on your team."

A New Chapter Abroad

The move to Israel and Europe is a significant change for Roddy, who until now has only played in the United States. "A lot of young American players don't even come to Europe, and they have no idea how things work here, how EuroLeague and EuroCup teams operate. I treat this as an experience and try to watch as many games as possible to understand the basketball here. It's probably the quarterback brain in me. There are amazing fans here and great support, and it's very different from the United States. You have to enjoy these things."

Reflecting on his difficult period in the career, he concluded: "Probably the last two years were the most difficult, but I also learned the most from them. I moved from team to team and didn't get what I wanted or felt I deserved. As long as I'm playing basketball, it doesn't really matter to me where I am. Of course, doubts sometimes creep in, but you have to keep working and understand that you don't control the teams' decisions. You can control the way you react and move on."