Hapoel Jerusalem have added a name with genuine NBA pedigree to their frontcourt, announcing the signing of American forward Kenneth "Kenny" Lofton Jr. on a deal running through the end of the 2026-27 season.
The 23-year-old, who stands 1.98m, arrives in Israel after two years in China, where he established himself as one of the CBA's most dominant imports. Ynet reports his salary in Jerusalem will be worth around €1.3 million for the season, underlining how seriously the club is investing in Sasha Obradović's rebuild ahead of the new EuroCup campaign.
Lofton Jr. spent parts of two NBA seasons on two-way and standard deals with the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz, making 49 appearances in total. His signature moment came in April 2023, when he exploded for 42 points and 14 rebounds in his first start for Memphis, against Oklahoma City.
Before that breakthrough, he had already made his mark in the G League with the Memphis Hustle, averaging 23.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists across 51 games and taking home Rookie of the Year honours for 2022-23, alongside two All-League selections.
In October 2024 he left the American system for the Shanghai Sharks of the CBA, where his production only grew. He averaged 24.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists in his first season in China, was named the league's Most Valuable Player, and helped Shanghai to the CBA championship last season.
Lofton also has pedigree on the international stage: he starred for Team USA at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, finishing as the tournament's leading scorer at 13.1 points per game and delivering 16 points and seven rebounds in the gold-medal final win over France.
"I'm excited to join Hapoel Jerusalem and start my journey in European basketball," Lofton said, according to the club, adding that he is "looking forward to fighting for the club" this season.
Obradović, who took over in Jerusalem this off-season on a contract through 2029, praised the new arrival: "Kenny is a player with a rare combination of strength, talent and ability to impact the game. He will add significant quality on both ends of the floor."
The move marks Lofton's first taste of European basketball and adds another proven scorer to a Hapoel Jerusalem side being retooled for a serious push in the BKT EuroCup this coming season.
