Shimon Mizrahi celebrates: The new and surprising signing of Maccabi Tel Aviv
The German world champion and former NBA center has agreed to a two-year deal with the powerhouse club. Coach Oded Kattash is confident that he is the key player who will provide the team with necessary flexibility.
Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club has announced one of its most impressive signings in recent years, reaching an agreement with German center Daniel Theis on a two-year contract. The 34-year-old player is expected to earn approximately 4.5 million dollars during his tenure at the club and will be a cornerstone of the roster being built for the upcoming season.
Theis, who won the World Championship with the German national team in 2023, arrives at the 'yellows' following a distinguished career that included seven seasons in the NBA. During his time in the United States, he played 411 games for the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Pelicans.
Daniel Theis (Credit: shutterstock)
Maccabi Tel Aviv chairman Shimon Mizrahi addressed the signing, calling it a significant move for the team. According to him, Theis is expected to be a key player due to his extensive experience and defensive prowess, which are vital for building a competitive roster.
Head coach Oded Kattash also commented on the center's arrival:
"He has been through all levels, in NBA and EuroLeague teams, and won the World Championship and the European Championship with Germany. He knows what it takes to be on a winning team. Professionally, he is a versatile big man who can play inside, outside, and give us a lot of flexibility in that position."
Theis returned to Europe about a year and a half ago after a long period in the NBA and signed with Monaco. Last season, he showcased high-level performance in the EuroLeague, averaging 9.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 69.2% shooting from the field.
In parallel with completing the roster, Maccabi Tel Aviv continues to monitor the status of T.J. Leaf and Gur Lavi, who are still in the process of recovering from injuries sustained last season.
