Maccabi Tel Aviv is exploring a potential frontcourt addition with NBA pedigree ahead of the 2026-27 season. According to Israel Hayom, former No. 2 overall draft pick James Wiseman has been offered to the club as the organization begins shaping next year’s roster.
The report stated that Maccabi is evaluating Wiseman’s candidacy after receiving positive feedback from sources in the United States. The 25-year-old center remains one of the more recognizable unsigned big men with recent NBA experience.
Wiseman entered the NBA in 2020 after Golden State Warriors selected him second overall in the draft. His career has included stretches with Golden State, the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers, but injuries and inconsistent development limited his long-term role.
Across 152 NBA games, the 7-footer averaged 9.0 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 56.0% from the field. His most productive stretch came during the 2022-23 season after his move to Detroit, where he averaged 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds in 24 appearances with the Pistons.
Wiseman spent the 2025-26 season largely outside of a consistent NBA rotation. After re-signing with Indiana on a two-year deal in July 2025, he appeared in four games before being waived in October to create roster flexibility. He later returned to the Pacers on a 10-day contract in December but was released after three appearances.
For Maccabi, the interest reflects a search for more size, athleticism and interior scoring after an inconsistent EuroLeague campaign. The Israeli club finished 12th in the regular-season standings at 18-20 and missed the postseason despite ranking among the league’s stronger offensive teams with 3,386 total points scored.
The roster already includes productive frontcourt pieces such as Roman Sorkin, who averaged 13.5 points in EuroLeague play, and former NBA forward T. J. Leaf. However, Maccabi struggled defensively throughout the season, allowing 3,486 points, one of the weaker marks among EuroLeague teams in playoff contention.
Wiseman’s physical profile could give the club a different dimension around the rim. At his best, he runs the floor well, finishes above the basket and provides vertical spacing in pick-and-roll actions. Those traits often translate effectively in European basketball, particularly in transition-heavy systems.
