Israeli Star Ben Saraf Declares for 2025 NBA Draft Amid Miami Heat Interest
April 18, 2025
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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Sources

ESPN • Apr 18, 2025
Israel's Ben Saraf, potential first-round pick, enters NBA draft - ESPN
Heat Nation • Apr 18, 2025
Report: Miami Heat have done ‘extensive homework’ on Ben Saraf