Ata mideberet evrit?

I know Maccabi Tel Aviv is a Euroleague powerhouse, but for some reason, Maccabi can't stay out of the American press and in this case, it's a good thing. Maccabi already lost one of the best players in Israel, Yotam Halperin, point guard Will Bynum and their starting center Nikola Vujcic.

A few days ago, Maccabi signed Rodney White, another bust from the 2000 draft who will probably start opposite Marcus Fizer at small forward. He was never that good of an NBA player, but he was the leading scorer at UNC-Charlotte.

White should prove to be a solid contributor at some point as Americans generally seem to thrive in Israel (see Maceo Baston, Will Bynum, Marcus Fizer and Anthony Parker).

Now there are rumors that Nenad Krstic leaves the New Jersey Nets for Tel Aviv. He has been pretty banged up but while he could probably get more money for sticking with the Nets, there's no question he would be one of the best centers in Europe if he signs in Israel.

He's turning 25 on July 23 so there is plenty of basketball left in him. In Krstic's last healthy season (2005-06 season), he averaged 14 points and six rebounds. There's no question he could become a very productive player and Maccabi will do everything within their power to sign him.

Krstic would be the ideal center to replace Vujcic, considering he's a true seven-footer and much more polished than Esteban Batista. But this is far from a done deal so Tel Aviv fans will have to cross their fingers.

If Maccabi can make this signing, they will probably turn their attention to point guard. The easy option would be to find a young Israeli point guard, but there don't seem to be any who are ready to start besides Dror Hajaj who they already have. The best NBA point guard who would even think about signing with Maccabi is Carlos Arroyo, but it's doubtful he plays in Israel considering he will probably get around 2 million to back up a point guard somewhere besides Orlando or will play in the Spanish League. But there are a few undrafted point guards who will give the team some consideration such as Drew Neitzel, Pat Calathes or Jamar Butler.

I'm not sure what Anton Ponkrashov's situation is, but he would be a great addition as a 6-8 point guard, although probably a long shot to sign. Whoever Maccabi signs will probably be a shoot-first point guard with iffy perimeter defense as that seems to be something they like.