Brooklyn Nets Select Israeli Guard Ben Sharaf in 2025 NBA Draft
The American sports media was taken by surprise, and fans were left with raised eyebrows, but the Brooklyn Nets have plans of their own. With the 26th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the New York-based team selected Israeli guard Ben Sharaf, a move that elicited immediate and notable reactions across social media and broadcasting studios.
An Unexpected Yet Calculated Move
According to ESPN’s leading analyst Jonathan Givony, Sharaf is being touted as “the Israeli version of D’Angelo Russell,” a comparison that quickly made headlines. “No start was prepared for this,” noted various prominent outlets in the United States. However, it seems to be a calculated risk by the Nets, who identified the potential and creativity of the 1.98-meter tall Israeli guard.
European Star with American Potential
The 19-year-old Sharaf plays for the German Bundesliga team, ALBA Berlin, the same club that produced Noah Asanga, who was selected earlier in the draft by the Chicago Bulls. Last season, Sharaf averaged 12.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. However, it was his impressive performance at the 2024 Under-18 European Championship that truly caught the eye, where he led Team Israel to a fourth-place finish, averaging 28.1 points per game and earning MVP honors.
Skills in Need of Refinement
Despite his accolades, American analysts highlight that Sharaf still needs to improve, particularly in his shooting from beyond the arc, to secure a rotation spot in the NBA. Scouting reports indicate that while he has high potential as a player, it may take several years for him to mature into a significant presence in the league.
A Long-term Vision for the Nets
The selection of Sharaf is part of a broader strategic initiative by the Brooklyn Nets, who entered the draft with five first-round picks and chose players with high ceilings and developmental potential. Sharaf, as a big guard with ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and playmaking capabilities, fits perfectly into this profile. Should he manage to replicate his dominance seen in youth international competitions and the German league, coupled with building his physique and game to meet the NBA’s physical demands, Brooklyn could have unearthed a real gem.
The D’Angelo Russell Comparison: Hyperbole or Promise?
Many see the comparison drawn by Givony to D’Angelo Russell, who played for Brooklyn from 2017 to 2019 and was among the team’s leaders during those years, as a substantial compliment. Russell was known for his smooth shooting and mastery in difficult situations. Although their styles may differ, Sharaf’s offensive intelligence and creativity do recall a young Russell.
As noted by Yahoo Sports, “If Sharaf becomes a player like Russell, Brooklyn fans will be very pleased with this selection, even if it was made late in the first round.”
Future Prospects of Ben Sharaf in the NBA
At this juncture, Sharaf is projected to join Brooklyn potentially as a rotational player, likely starting in the G-League to acclimatize to the demands of the NBA. However, with his international experience, impressive resume from the national team, and the tools he brings as a modern, tall point guard, he could well become another success story from Israel in the NBA.
Ben Sharaf’s American journey is just beginning, and he embarks on this challenge under a formidable label: “the Israeli version of D’Angelo Russell.” Now, he must prove that this comparison is not an overstatement, but rather a realistic target