Israeli Star Ben Saraf Declares for 2025 NBA Draft Amid Miami Heat Interest

April 18, 2025
Israeli Star Ben Saraf Declares for 2025 NBA Draft Amid Miami Heat Interest
  • The NBA Draft combine is scheduled for May 11-18, 2025, in Chicago, followed by the draft on June 25-26, 2025, in New York.

  • He gained recognition last summer as the MVP of the FIBA U18 EuroBasket, averaging 28.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.0 steals, which helped Israel qualify for the FIBA U19 World Cup.

  • This interest is heightened by the disappointing performance of guard Terry Rozier, who averaged only 10.6 points per game this season.

  • Saraf is projected to be selected in the first round of the draft, with mock drafts suggesting the Minnesota Timberwolves might pick him with the 17th overall pick.

  • Ben Saraf, a 19-year-old Israeli guard, has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, stating that now is the right time for him to make the move.

  • The Miami Heat have shown significant interest in Saraf, conducting extensive research on him as a potential draft pick.

  • In February 2025, Saraf made his senior national team debut for Israel during the FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers.

  • Currently playing for German team ratiopharm Ulm, Saraf is ranked as the No. 23 draft prospect by ESPN.

  • If the Heat qualify for the playoffs, they will not control their own first-round pick but will have at least one first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors.

  • Saraf's skill set includes a combination of size, scoring instincts, playmaking ability, and strong performance in pick-and-roll situations.

  • As the NBA draft approaches, teams are increasingly focusing on international prospects like Saraf, who will conclude his regular season before the playoffs begin in mid-May.

  • Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have won their first play-in game against the Chicago Bulls and must win another game against the Atlanta Hawks to secure the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Summary based on 2 sources


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